tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11925499196267551772018-03-06T06:10:46.860-05:00Idiot Letters: Rants and RavesThe Unwelcome Thoughts of Paul "Paul" RosaPaul "Paul" Rosa (NY City), 45.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02185205246951740556noreply@blogger.comBlogger31125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1192549919626755177.post-78076416573943940182007-06-09T21:16:00.000-05:002007-06-13T11:46:21.838-05:00Not Worth Reading.Dwindling Readers,<br /><br />Paris Hilton. She's pretty. She's rich. She's whip smart. She is in possession of a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">cracklin</span>' wit. She's earned everything she's ever received. And there are still those among us (like Dieter and Sherry) who detest her and want her to do hard time (a decade or more) for poor driving. Well, I for one shall not stand insolently by as one of my fellow citizens is spit upon, again and again, until the saliva drips from her <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">trendy</span> clothing like so much excessive dripping clothing saliva.<br /><br />We all know Paris' parents, Ken and Marjorie Hilton, the founders of the hugely successful Marriott chain of hotels. These well-run "inns" dotting our spectacular interstate landscape, from Newark to points outside of Newark, feature crisp, clean sheets, delicious cool tap water and complimentary bathroom towels. Ask the maid for an additional ("trial size") bar of soap and guess what? You'll <strong><em>GET</em></strong> it. Now how many of our nation's hotels come through in this fashion, time and time again? "ALL OF THEM" you may counter but you'd probably be missing the point. '<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Nuff</span> said.<br /><br />Some unsavory types (often from Oregon) would whine, "But Paris never earned anything at all!!" Oh, really? Well, when the first Marriott opened in Dayton, OH in 1987, five-year-old Paris and her sister (Doris) routinely helped to clean the rooms, change the air-conditioner filters, and scare defecating ducks away from the tiny swimming pool. It wasn't until 1992 that the 3-story, rundown hotel began to turn a modest profit and, in the ensuing two decades, over 2,200 sparkling franchises appeared across our land.<br /><br />Is it not logical that, if young Paris worked so hard on the very first hotel, she should share in the incredible resulting wealth? Well, I don't know. It's not my job to "know" but in fact to excite and stimulate. You see, friends, I am skilled at presenting salient points and then stepping back, as if to say, "Why don't you folks debate it all among yourselves and come to your own conclusions." I believe it was John F. K<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">ennedy</span> who said, "Give a man some fish and he eats for a day but loan him your fishing gear and, well, who knows what can happen and stuff." And then he was shot in the head near Houston by a man. A nation grieves still.<br /><br />So Paris, who enjoys the high life in Hollywood, New York, and San Bernardino, made a few mistakes. No one thinks it's okay to drive poorly. No one believes that a beautiful young woman has any right to change the rules of the road or place traffic signs at a height only she deems optimal (say 3' 4"). NO one is saying that here!! A fair punishment is in order. On that we can all agree. 45 days in jail has been deemed proper by a certain Judge <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Sendrickson</span>. And Paris shall indeed serve the 45 days (minus time off for good behavior and other relevant matters).<br /><br />And so she shall emerge in 4-6 days a stronger, more evolved woman, lesson learned. The hard way. And we can all again look forward to her <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">pouty</span> ways and her fetching catwalk struts as the world's best designers drape her lithe, feline form in cottons and other fabrics which aren't cotton. In the meantime, as she stoically serves her sentence, we can go to the Y<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">ouTube</span> (on the WorldWide Nets) and enjoy her past devilish utterances of "she's hot," "he's hot," "they're hot," or perhaps "that's hot." Hot indeed, Paris. City of lights. Or is that Stuttgart? Either way. Not my job to find out.<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">In conclusion, whether</span> it's Lindy <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Loshan</span>, Brittney <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Speer</span>, or Valerie <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Bertinelli</span>, we must never stop cherishing our hot young women, those who invigorate our loins and challenge our minds with the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">words</span> which come from their mouths. Never forget that our young heroes serving in Iraq are (above all) protecting our freedom to pursue the adoration of countless Hollywood starlets and, yes, heartthrobs. NEVER FORGET that (at this writing) 3,506 young Americans have sacrificed their lives to prevent the Taliban from covering up these vixens with ill-fitting tarps and unwieldy beekeeper helmets. If we give up on this epic struggle the terrorists, just like that, shall win and the starlets shall lose. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">And if <em>that</em> happens, ladies and gentleman</span>, we as a <em>country</em> lose. And that country is the United States of America (The USA).<br /><br />It's worth protecting.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_N5unkP73rW0/RmtsIifAfvI/AAAAAAAAAI0/gs3aWDuPAJA/s1600-h/rushmore.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5074268299114610418" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_N5unkP73rW0/RmtsIifAfvI/AAAAAAAAAI0/gs3aWDuPAJA/s200/rushmore.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />-Paul C. RosaPaul "Paul" Rosa (NY City), 45.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02185205246951740556noreply@blogger.com38tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1192549919626755177.post-32204997980978174322007-06-03T21:38:00.000-05:002007-06-04T12:46:36.341-05:00A Return To FormFriends,<br /><br />Well, it's been over two weeks since my last BLOG post and I have been deeply moved by the responses from many faithful readers. Some, clearly hoping I am fully rested, suggested that I continue my "vacation" and send e-mails only when "absolutely necessary." Many friends indicated to me that "less is more" and advised that I contact them "rarely if ever." I am moved that they would value my painstaking editing.<br /><br />Others asked that they be removed from my e-mail list altogether as they simply have too many items to read on a daily basis already and have no time for my fine, lengthy pieces. Understood. We all live busy lives and can't always get to what's most important. A select few had (defective) computer "auto-responses" that indicated my e-mails would be "permanently blocked" and I have sent (hand-written) letters encouraging them to ask their service providers to fix this technology glitch.<br /><br />A fellow (Mitch) e-mailed me a short while ago asking me, "What's up, dude?" When I read of such clear interest in my writing career, I become a bit emotional. Whether you're an actor, singer, ventriloquist, or writer, in your soul you crave love from your audience as a way of confirming your own self worth. Hearing "what's up dude?" reminds me yet again that I was born to write, to share my intimate creative processes with as many readers as possible in order to entertain, amuse, and (yes), to educate.<br /><br />And there's always been a playful "give -n- take" with my sizable audience. Reader Nicole R. once responded to one of my pieces by forwarding a collection of photos featuring cute baby animals in amusing situations. Terrific! Rich N., after reading an essay I forwarded in March of this year, in return forwarded a delightful video of "Dads being struck in the groin" by a variety of sports accessories. This let me know, <em>loud and clear</em>, that he appreciated my hard work. Message received, Rich! Again and again my readers have demonstrated how important I am in their lives and and they have richly rewarded me. Indeed, it is my pleasure!<br /><br />As I prepare myself emotionally for increased summer writing I assure my audience that my dedication to my craft has never been more pronounced. Thank you for making me a regular, welcome guest at your "computer station." In due time I will create a credit-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">card</span> portion on my BLOG allowing you to make substantial donations which will be utilized for marketing pursuits, office supplies, and cans of compressed air (allowing me to keep my keyboard dust free).<br /><br />A happy summer to all and blessings to most.<br /><br />l<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_N5unkP73rW0/RmONDb5zqgI/AAAAAAAAAIc/xRMlRXAlW7g/s1600-h/lick.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5072052695518652930" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_N5unkP73rW0/RmONDb5zqgI/AAAAAAAAAIc/xRMlRXAlW7g/s200/lick.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />-pcr<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_N5unkP73rW0/RmOvHr5zqiI/AAAAAAAAAIs/kFVKzoxS4_o/s1600-h/credit.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5072090151928441378" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_N5unkP73rW0/RmOvHr5zqiI/AAAAAAAAAIs/kFVKzoxS4_o/s200/credit.jpg" border="0" /></a>Paul "Paul" Rosa (NY City), 45.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02185205246951740556noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1192549919626755177.post-9393397347172870242007-05-16T11:46:00.000-05:002007-05-17T13:25:36.161-05:00Harry Back.Words:<br /><br />Well, no one saw <em>this</em> coming! The British government has announced that Prince Harry will not be going to Iraq. They explained that, since he would be such a high-priority target, it would be an unacceptable risk to him (and his platoon). This sounds logical on its surface because (yes, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">indeedy</span></span>) the mustachioed enemy <em>would</em> be chomping at the bit to display the Prince's skull on a stake, an effective technique used by the Prince's own great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great grandfather when his marriages inevitably became a tad "rocky."<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_N5unkP73rW0/RktFyL5zqeI/AAAAAAAAAIM/VrCfo1QIKOk/s1600-h/harry.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5065218934399281634" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_N5unkP73rW0/RktFyL5zqeI/AAAAAAAAAIM/VrCfo1QIKOk/s200/harry.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />But <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">upon</span> further review (and a rudimentary grasp of basic mathematics), it is logical to conclude that an increased risk to H<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">arry's</span></span> group would, by definition, lessen the overall threat <em>elsewhere.</em> Given there are a fixed number of "enemy combatants" (i.e. bad guys who streamed into Iraq only after the country was occupied) it <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">stands</span> to reason that Harry, the red-headed scamp, would not pose an increased security concern to the fighting force as a <em>whole</em>. And that, math <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">aficionados</span>, completely negates the British government's entire silly premise.<br /><br />Wouldn't the TRUTH be refreshing every once in a while? A politician revealing an unpopular TRUTH?! I'd be happier than a poo-flinging monkey if the stuffy British <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">spokesman</span> strode to the microphone, cleared his throat and instead explained:<br /><br /><em>Prince Harry will be going nowhere near the middle east because he comes from a very powerful family of unelected origin. We would no sooner send this freckled imp into a war zone than we would send our OWN sons and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">daughters</span>. While we are perfectly comfortable sending other families' children into an <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">un-winnable</span> war of dubious origin, when it comes to personal risk of any sort, well....we really don't do that...because we don't have to. In conclusion, it is typically those with few other options who are forced to fight and die. But if the war becomes truly hopeless we are more than eager to let the debacle continue rather than admit any</em><em> failure. Good day and God bless. </em><br /><br />These political bastards might be a little more careful about sending youngsters to war if there was even a 5% chance that their own fighting-age sons and daughters would be forced to serve. How many U.S. Senators (listening, Hillary?) would have voted for the Iraq invasion four years ago if their comfortable <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">children</span> might have been yanked from Dartmouth or Princeton and been asked to serve in Iraq for even a month? It is a sad reality that the very people who decide whether to attack a country are those who have nothing to lose (other than political points). Yes, a few Senators (like Jim Webb, VA) have sons or daughters in Iraq but they all seem to want a quick withdrawal. What a surprise! Personal risk certainly compels folks to think things through.<br /><br />Prince Harry <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">pretends</span> to be deeply <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">disappointed</span> by his government's decision. But of course he is still free to fight in Iraq. Roughly 40,000 of the combined British and American fighting force is made up of "soldiers of fortune," hired guns not directly affiliated with the military. Harry can simply explain, "This war is critical and I must fight. I am dismissing the long-irrelevant monarchy as well as this prejudicial decision by my government and heading to Iraq in June." This would certainly prove his commitment to fighting. But don't hold your breath.<br /><br />Our fearless Commander in Chimp constantly reminds Americans that the terrorists will "follow us home" the moment we leave Iraq. Sagely, he explains that we cannot leave until the job is done. He insists that this is a war that must be won. Yet he's never suggested that one of his own daughters might hop off her <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">bar stool</span> and devote a month (not 15 months, like the others!) of her time to fighting the Iraqi insurgency. Bush has never suggested that <em>any</em> influential people sacrifice in order to help win this critical war. Until the "elite" are forced to share a tiny percentage of the "ultimate risk," they will continue to vote on the side of money and power. But...<br /><br /><em><strong>"The wealthy take up arms only when the impoverished rebel against them." -G. Ehringer</strong></em><br /><br />The occupation of Iraq was nothing more than an attempt to make certain Americans more rich and powerful at a time when slack-jawed Americans were eager to support an attack on any country full of light-brown-skinned people. And if we had prevailed (we never will), virtually no one in this country would have the balls to declare, "WE <strong><span style="font-size:130%;"><em>STILL</em></span></strong> HAD NO RIGHT TO SEND OUR SONS AND DAUGHTERS TO FIGHT AND DIE IN A COUNTRY THAT NEVER THREATENED US!" <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Cuz</span>' everyone likes a winner.<br /><br />Those Americans who are against the war (about 200,000,000 of us, all of whom financially support this war) and do absolutely nothing to help end it, are accessories to murder.<br /><br />In conclusion, I urge each and every one of you to stay well hydrated.<br /><br /><p><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_N5unkP73rW0/RktF7r5zqfI/AAAAAAAAAIU/DiMwDHY3O_0/s1600-h/bush_pilot_button.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5065219097608038898" style="WIDTH: 207px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 155px" height="156" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_N5unkP73rW0/RktF7r5zqfI/AAAAAAAAAIU/DiMwDHY3O_0/s200/bush_pilot_button.jpg" width="215" border="0" /></a></p><p>-pcr</p>Paul "Paul" Rosa (NY City), 45.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02185205246951740556noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1192549919626755177.post-84925930862833808512007-05-06T22:45:00.000-05:002007-05-07T00:20:08.222-05:00Why So Bitter?<span style="color:#ffff66;">Compatriots,<br /><br />Some citizens have noted that my BLOG entries have been rather bitter and pessimistic of late. It was even suggested that, among other things, I should "lighten up," "get a life," or "shut the fuck up." Interesting notions all, and I shall carefully consider each and every one of them during an <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">unrushed</span> period of introspection and a well-honed dismissal of prayer. I think it's wise, as part of one's personal evolution, to consider any and all suggestions that may come your way. Even if your life is quite happy and your days generally consist of following your heart.<br /><br />Yesterday, as I was selling comical stickers (which were disrespectful to Republicans) in Times Square, a nice man demanded that I "accept Jesus Christ" as my personal savior. I suppose he could tell by my distaste of certain politicians that I needed Jesus to make me complete. Perhaps I had something to gain by listening. I asked him to give me any proof whatsoever that Jesus Christ (not <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">WMD's</span></span>) existed and he smiled warmly at me, as though I were a retarded child playing with colorful yarn. He responded, "The Bible is the word of God and proof that Jesus existed" and seemed to consider patting me on the head. I queried, "But where's the proof<em>,</em> <em>any</em> proof, that the Bible is the word of God?" Moving on, the fellow crisply suggested that I "get right with the Lord or burn in Hell." Well <em>that</em> sounds unpleasant so I shall indeed look into this "Jesus tale" and see if this bearded fellow can make me happier. If only I could convince myself that he actually existed (like unicorns and angels). Sadly, I did not get a chance to ask the pedestrian how Jesus could <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">possibly</span> become my <strong><em><span style="font-size:130%;">personal </span></em></strong>savior when he already seems to be the savior of millions of Christians worldwide. But I cannot discount the possibility that Jesus will eventually become my <em>non-personal</em> savior and indeed make me happier. After all, happiness is the key, not bitterness.<br /><br />Another helpful gentleman in Times Square roared, "Go back to the Soviet Union, you communist!" Since I had never traveled to this land to begin with, I found the suggestion confusing. Also baffling was the man's implication that I was capable of traveling back in time fifteen years in order to visit this (now-democratic) land which now goes by another name(s). He also clamored "support the troops, asshole!" patiently teaching me that if one's nation is at war it is our patriotic duty to support said war regardless of reasons for engagement or likelihood of success. If I fully grasp this lesson, will I be a less bitter, more optimistic chap? If I simply accept, at all times, what our elected politicians suggest, will it bring me inner calm? By <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">cracky</span></span>, now<em> that's</em> worth exploring. More introspection without prayer lies ahead.<br /><br />But some of my encounters have not been of a conflicted nature. A woman I met (I'll call her "Abbe") was, among others, supportive of my thoughts and I, in turn, enjoyed <em>her</em> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">wise </span>views very much. Drawn to this free-thinking, dynamic, liberal woman, I was fortunate enough to speak with her again and again over a period of several weeks (with a remarkable "cordless phone"). It was quietly confirmed that our opinions, even the aggressive ones, are <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">perfectly</span> acceptable and "letting them out" can be a rich, rewarding experience. Indeed, such views can even serve to draw people closer and closer together! Yes, here's yet another potential path to happiness I would be wise to <strong><em>continue</em></strong> exploring while carefully avoiding prayer.<br /><br />So there's plenty to think about. A spiritual retreat is surely in order this month. But where to go? Hmmmm. Seattle, I've heard, is a great place to visit in order to explore personal growth and happiness without prayer. Yes, I shall go to Seattle.<br /><br />In conclusion, I was again recently reminded that embracing anger actually keeps one from <em>becoming</em> bitter. It has been written that rage and depression are nothing more than "anger turned inward." So true. In fact, if you just speak your mind, wonderful people like "Abbe" (real name "Abbe") may just take an interest in you. And that, <em>that</em> my friends, can make you happy. Even <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">more so</span> than pie. And without prayer.<br /><br />hi.<br /></span><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_N5unkP73rW0/Rj6yxF7x7LI/AAAAAAAAAHs/NP-kC6rsJ6M/s1600-h/pies.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5061679587687263410" style="WIDTH: 110px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 113px" height="100" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_N5unkP73rW0/Rj6yxF7x7LI/AAAAAAAAAHs/NP-kC6rsJ6M/s200/pies.jpg" width="117" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="color:#ffff66;">I feel good,<br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">pcr</span></span></span>Paul "Paul" Rosa (NY City), 45.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02185205246951740556noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1192549919626755177.post-40011327125823002602007-04-29T21:13:00.000-05:002007-05-06T22:28:08.267-05:00A Letter From Karl Rove.From: The Subconscious of Karl Rove<br />To: Fellow Republicans<br /><br />"Christian" Gentlemen and Ladies,<br /><br />Two words: "Fear Not." The Republican party is NOT in its last throes (ha, ha, remember <em>that</em> gem?) and our future is bright. Certainly not our near future (there will be no Republican President in 08') but our long-term future, beginning four years later. So relax.<br /><br />Admittedly, the war in Iraq did not turn out at ALL like we planned. You must admit that four years ago it was <em>brilliant</em> that we claimed Saddam Hussein was an immediate threat, but not until after 9/11, when Americans were content to blame any people who had light-brown skin and names typically containing at least three "K's." Even though Iraq <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">had</span> as much to do with 9/11 as Peru, the morons actually fell for it. Ah, good memories.<br /><br />But alas, it didn't work out and plenty of naysayers now claim we are in trouble. They say this Iraqi debacle will set back our agenda for <em>decades</em>. WRONG! Let me explain. In twenty months a Democrat will take over the White House (yawn). It will be that negro fellow, the lesbian Clinton, or that tree hugger, Al Gore. In order to become President, the eventual winner must <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">guarantee</span> a quick pull-out from Iraq as soon as he/she takes office. All we have to do is keep insisting that victory in Iraq <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">must</span> not come with a deadline and it will fall on the Democrats to end this war.<br /><br />Well, my wealthy friends, at THIS point we can blame <strong><em>them</em></strong> for any terrorism that may follow (for decades!) by simply shrugging and saying, "The Democrats were the ones who insisted on cutting and running." And you know what?! A large percentage of the country (the same folks who actually believed the entire "uranium from Africa" fantasy) will actually believe it! Remember, they quickly forgot that 9/11 happened on our watch, months after we were told that Bin Laden was planning an imminent attack on American soil and we did nothing. So for now, even though it has been clear for three years that America has no chance of prevailing in Iraq, we will allow Americans to continue dying in a country that never threatened us. It's for the greater good. But remember, before mourning these thousands of dead Americans, that none of OUR sons and daughters need to sacrifice in any way. And the sacrifice of those who <strong><em>are</em></strong> fighting for the U.S.? Consider it as their opportunity to assure the success of the Republican party once again in 2012. A noble sacrifice, indeed.<br /><br />Also, as far as "losing in Iraq," let's not be so hasty with our assessments. American contractors in Iraq (usually supporting Republican politicians) have raked in hundreds of millions of dollars on (ha, ha) no-bid contracts. You have no idea how much money Dick Cheney has made over the past four years through H<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">alliburton!</span> Do you think he might share that loot with Republicans in the future? Does a liberal serve valiantly in Vietnam and get effectively smeared by those who had 7 deferments or went AWOL from the National Guard? Man, I love that one. Hard to declare a war a loss when you profit like this, am I RIGHT?!<br /><br />So we lay low for four years, blame the Democrats for not having the stomach for war and prepare for the next election. But we will not be docile on conservative issues. After all, the Supreme Court just passed a law forbidding third-trimester abortions (watch out Roe -v- Wade!). Most Americans actually believed us when we implied that these abortions are essentially demanded by slutty hippie women who decide, after eight months of pregnancy, to yank out the squirming, perfectly healthy babies from their wombs. Ha, ha. So few people realize that the vast, vast majority of these babies are horrifically damaged. Brains growing outside of skulls, massive skeletal disorders, and future lives of unimaginable suffering. I imagine if America knew that third-trimester abortions are performed almost exclusively after gut-wrenching personal decisions by anguished parents who want to end immense suffering, they would NEVER support our agenda. But thankfully they are not educated.<br /><br />And remember, Republicans, education is our worst enemy. Keep pushing that Bible stuff (and other fairy tales) on the kids. The younger the better. The earth is 6,000 years old? You betcha!' Homosexuality is a sin? Oh yeah, but don't mention gluttony! Seventy percent of the Earth is going to hell because they don't accept Jesus? Sure, why not? People in red states will believe <em>anything!</em> After all, they actually believe in <span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>ANGELS!<br /></strong></span><br />So chin up, Republicans. We may have lost the (Iraq) battle but we will win the war. The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Dems</span> will once again be labeled cowards whenever they pull the troops out, women's bodies will (more and more) be regulated by Republican men, and the cash (the sweet, sweet cash) will continue to roll in.<br /><br />Life is still good.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_N5unkP73rW0/RjVcil7x7KI/AAAAAAAAAHk/3oRkJSD-7pA/s1600-h/170px-Karl_Rove.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5059051505788775586" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_N5unkP73rW0/RjVcil7x7KI/AAAAAAAAAHk/3oRkJSD-7pA/s200/170px-Karl_Rove.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />-K. RovePaul "Paul" Rosa (NY City), 45.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02185205246951740556noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1192549919626755177.post-3164707781737061342007-04-26T18:05:00.000-05:002007-04-29T13:48:53.751-05:00Selective Prejudice.People reading my formed words (with a special shout-out to "Abbe"),<br /><br />Well, it's been a couple of weeks since the VA Tech massacre and I've heard plenty of blame to go around. I've heard NRA-types and pacifists shrieking at each other. I've heard psychologists (aka "crazy hippies") preaching the importance of inclusion. And I've seen meat-eaters and vegans engaged in ultimate fighting while <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Metallica</span> blares from the speakers. Admittedly, this one confuses me.<br /><br />Surprisingly, I have come to (essentially) agree with the NRA when they say, "Guns don't kill people, insane NRA members kill people." As Michael Moore pointed out in his brilliant documentary "Bowling For Columbine," Canada has far more guns per <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">capita</span> than we do but far, far fewer <em>murders</em> per <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">capita</span>. A more civilized, empathetic culture? Yep. Guns are illegal in Japan and there are virtually zero murders. But is it really so hard for a determined Japanese citizen to get a gun? Doubt it. Canada (many guns) and Japan (few guns) both have a tiny fraction of the murders we endure in the U.S. because, well, they CHOOSE not to kill each other when they get grouchy. It is <strong><em>American society</em></strong>, not guns, that causes this nightmare. I am not particularly <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">knowledgeable</span> on WHY we are such a violent people but I think it has something to do with the "We're number one, greatest country on earth" bullshit we stuff into our kids' heads at an early age. The same age as Kim Jong Il convinces the North Korean kids that he is God. I would welcome any thoughts from readers.<br /><br />Many people have argued that we need to make campuses safer. That certainly is worth exploring. But how <em>much</em> safer is debatable. Nobody supports the idea of huge walls around campuses and iris scans at every door. Society as a whole agrees that risk, safety, and freedom must be balanced. Some would say (and conservatives supporting Bush have suggested it) that greater safety is what's most important. Worried about phone taps? <em>Why</em>, if you have nothing to hide? Opposed to subway searches? Don't pack a bomb! Of course both sides have valid arguments. For instance, few liberals argue against the legality of suitcase searches at airports. It's an invasion of privacy, sure, but acceptable to (almost) all. When Benjamin Franklin wrote, "Those who would sacrifice freedom for temporary security deserve neither," he probably didn't consider the emegence of Al Qaeda but he very well may have envisioned the actions of our current administration. Gray areas, my friends. By the way, is that the way you spell "gray?" "Grey?" Who cares.<br /><br />But those who ALWAYS argue on the side of safety are ALWAYS fools. "If it makes us safer, do it!" is just nonsense. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">I ask</span> these mouth-breathers why we then simply don't reduce the national speed limit to 22 miles per hour and save tens of thousands of lives. They then seem to be in a hurry to get somewhere and the discussion abruptly ends. Compromise, compromise. Safety and freedom. So most people (probably most at VA Tech) would prefer that college campuses remain open and accessible and everyone (just like interstate drivers) will TAKE THEIR CHANCES! It's part of a free society, an acceptable risk if you will.<br /><br />Changing gears. Many people have been blaming rappers for promoting violence and disrespect for authority. Guys like Bill ("Peabody Award") <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">O'Reilly</span> routinely blame rap artists like 50 Cent and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Ludacris</span> for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">fomenting</span> violence. Yet they never blame (white) folks like Martin <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Scorcese</span>, Brian <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">DePalma</span>, and Vin Diesel. "What the HELL are you talking about?!" you may roar, Jumbo Snickers bar in hand. Well <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Scorcese</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">DePalma</span> routinely direct vicious movies and Vin Diesel (often) portrays violent characters. But most of us (correctly) absolve them of any blame for society's ills because they are just portraying <strong><em>characters</em></strong>. It's art, good or bad. And yet when a guy like <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Ludacris</span> leads a crime-free life and only <strong><em>portrays</em></strong> a vicious <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">character</span> to sell <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">CD's</span>, racists like <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">O'Reilly</span> are quick to assign blame. Inconsistent, faulty logic (from the bloated phone pervert).<br /><br />But blaming <em>any</em> rappers, directors, actors or producers of violent video games is ludicrous (tee hee!) in itself. In Asian cultures (remember, no gun violence) their citizens absorb <em>far </em>more violence and pornography than we do and (voila!) there's no corresponding criminal impact on the streets to speak of. It's so easy to lay blame and lump others together in groups, but where's the supporting evidence? I encounter countless Americans who support this (illegal) Iraq war because of what "they" did to us on 9/11. When I ask who "they" are, conservatives (consistently) answer "the M<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">uslims</span>." And yet nobody blamed "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">Christians</span>" for what Timothy McVeigh or David <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">Koresh</span> did. Scream all you will about Janet Reno but SHE did not ignite the Branch <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">Davidian</span> house. Crazy Christians did. We never seem to lump <strong><span style="font-size:130%;"><em>ourselves</em></span></strong> together in a "negative group" if part of our group does wrong.<br /><br />Being too lazy to edit, I look back at this stream-of-consciousness blog entry and realize I was all over the map. But on another map, several <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">hundred</span> Iraqi citizens died on the same day as 32 students at VA Tech. And I did not hear the President say one word about this tragic loss of life beyond our borders. Clearly it's because "those people" don't count as much as "our people." Because they're not part of "our group." Inexcusable.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_N5unkP73rW0/RjFCTF7x7JI/AAAAAAAAAHc/F9aWcdW3uVQ/s1600-h/bill-oreilly1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5057896752291638418" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_N5unkP73rW0/RjFCTF7x7JI/AAAAAAAAAHc/F9aWcdW3uVQ/s200/bill-oreilly1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />American Asshole.<br /><br />-pcrPaul "Paul" Rosa (NY City), 45.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02185205246951740556noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1192549919626755177.post-56740289392336926532007-04-17T12:03:00.000-05:002007-04-17T19:01:02.121-05:00Disgraceful.<span style="color:#ffff00;">Americans,<br /><br />In case you're living in a cable-free cave, by now you've learned of the stunning tragedy at Virginia Tech University. Thirty-three people were slaughtered by a student (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Cho</span></span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Seung</span></span>-Hui) who apparently did not foresee a bright future for himself and decided to eliminate that possibility for as many others as made possible by semi-automatic weaponry and a lust for blood. This young man was responsible for one of the worst acts of mass murder in U.S. history.<br /><br />Unless of course you include George Bush and his mischievous pack of scamps. "HOW <strong><span style="font-size:130%;">DARE </span></strong>YOU!!!" you may thunder. Oh, I dare, I dare. You may bristle, "This was enough of a tragedy without it being made into a wider argument against the important war on terror!" Perhaps we should concentrate on one topic at a time, out of respect for the families of the victims in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Blacksburg</span></span>, VA? I disagree strongly. In fact, I believe what I am now writing shows the <em>utmost</em> respect for the grieving families of the lost students and teachers.<br /><br />The day after the tragedy, on April 17, George Bush flew to VA to preside over the healing "convocation" at the university. He expressed the powerful words written (in their entirety) by his skilled writers and scrunched up his face in a variety of ways indicating sorrow, concern, and (of course) closure & hope. It was a moving presentation, one that no doubt brought comfort to thousands (millions!) of citizens watching. Our President was "there" for the nation when it needed him most. Kudos, Commander in Chief!<br /><br />But was anyone else troubled that the very man leading the ceremony (G.W. Bush) is responsible for <strong><em>far</em></strong> <strong><em>more</em></strong> unnecessary murders than the grumpy Mr. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Seung</span></span>-Hui? Is anyone else deeply concerned with this ghastly irony?! Let's recall the old adage, "The buck stops here." It is consistently used (in business and politics alike) to suggest that the "boss" is ultimately responsible for the activities of those "beneath him." Yep, that sounds pretty fair, pretty "American," pretty groovy. Deep breath now...<br /><br />George Bush (along with Dick Cheney, Don <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Rumsfeld</span></span>, Hillary Clinton, Colin Powell, Jon Edwards, John McCain, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Condoleezza</span> Rice, Paul <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Wolfowitz</span></span>, and a host of others) pursued a war in a country that <em>never threatened us! </em>No evidence of weapons of mass destruction, no evidence of any link to terrorists (who threatened America), no evidence at all that Iraq was more of a threat than Finland, New Zealand, or the skeletal remains of famed racehorse Secretariat. No threat. They lied. But ultimately it was <strong><em>Bush's</em></strong> decision to go to war. "The buck stops here."<br /><br />You may counter, "But at least they wanted to bring democracy to a country that was being tormented by a vicious dictator!" Um-hum. It is <em>always</em> the goal of America to bring freedom to <em>any</em> country inhabited by repressed, anguished citizens. We can all <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">recall</span> with great pride the bang-up job America has done bringing freedom to Rwanda and The Sudan. Such happy, free people, leading lives of joy in their (oil-free) lands! <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Darfur</span> is now dreamy. God bless America.<br /><br />Four years after the start of the war we have 3,300 dead Americans and hundreds of thousands of murdered Iraqi citizens. All unnecessary, each and every death. "But Saddam was murdering his citizens!" you may squeal as I <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">prepare</span> to give you yet<em> another</em> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">smackdown</span></span>.....More Iraqis have been killed by George Bush's lethal foolishness in the past four years than in the previous 30 years (under Saddam) combined! You may slice it and dice it any way you wish, but George Bush ("buck stops here") has murdered more innocents than anyone in the history of our country (with the possible exceptions of Lyndon Johnson and Richard Nixon). George W. Bush. Mass murderer.<br /><br />.....And after the tragedy at VA Tech <span style="font-size:130%;"><strong><em>HE</em></strong></span> was the keynote speaker at the convocation there on April 17, 2007. He noted how tragic it was that thirty-three innocents died. Let the healing begin.<br /><br />Fuck that.</span><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_N5unkP73rW0/RiUPeis6NXI/AAAAAAAAAHM/JtRRRE3ZRJE/s1600-h/bbbusssh.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5054463174178911602" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_N5unkP73rW0/RiUPeis6NXI/AAAAAAAAAHM/JtRRRE3ZRJE/s200/bbbusssh.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="color:#ffff00;">-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">pcr</span></span></span>Paul "Paul" Rosa (NY City), 45.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02185205246951740556noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1192549919626755177.post-10633231243650420502007-04-09T21:20:00.000-05:002007-04-11T11:54:01.539-05:00Free(ish) Speech<span style="color:#ffff66;">Hey, Americans!<br /><br />Rosie O'Donnell speaks her mind. Don Imus does too. Ditto for Rush Limbaugh. All of them have said some pretty explosive things. Rosie implied 9/11 was an inside job. Bold assertion. Imus called some black women "nappy-headed hos." Pretty aggressive stuff. Rush suggested Michael J. Fox was faking Parkinson's symptoms. Rather strong words.<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_N5unkP73rW0/RhvoGys6NUI/AAAAAAAAAG0/_hoTW4RzZNI/s1600-h/rosie.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5051886610413139266" style="WIDTH: 98px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 121px" height="138" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_N5unkP73rW0/RhvoGys6NUI/AAAAAAAAAG0/_hoTW4RzZNI/s200/rosie.jpg" width="125" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_N5unkP73rW0/RhvohCs6NVI/AAAAAAAAAG8/YfQNyfvKFag/s1600-h/rushl.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5051887061384705362" style="WIDTH: 96px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 109px" height="109" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_N5unkP73rW0/RhvohCs6NVI/AAAAAAAAAG8/YfQNyfvKFag/s200/rushl.jpg" width="125" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_N5unkP73rW0/Rhvouys6NWI/AAAAAAAAAHE/fLuG6VuH6xY/s1600-h/imus.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5051887297607906658" style="WIDTH: 123px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 83px" height="83" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_N5unkP73rW0/Rhvouys6NWI/AAAAAAAAAHE/fLuG6VuH6xY/s200/imus.jpg" width="111" border="0" /></a><br />Many people want them to be <em>fired</em> for what they said. These people, all of them, are unpatriotic, plain and simple. Free speech means we can say <strong><em>anything</em></strong> we want and each and every one of us should celebrate and defend this right. We need not celebrate any of the <em>words</em> we disagree with but it is our responsibility as Americans to protect the rights of others to <em>use</em> them. Why is this not yet clear?<br /><br />If we do not like what people in the media say we can simply turn the channel. Condemn their <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">positions</span>, sure, but when you imply they should not be <em>allowed</em> a platform to voice their views then you are against free speech. Plain and simple. The above "offenders" are paid to generate revenue. They are huge earners. Thus, they do their job. If you want to punish the employers who employ them, that is your right and, again, you may change the channel. If enough people do that the "offenders" will be fired. Okay? But do NOT imply that people are "out of line" who disagree with (or outrage) you. The whole value of free speech is that there <strong><em>ARE NO LINES!</em></strong> Zero. Once <em>any</em> lines are drawn we are instantly on a slippery slope away from freedom. For this reason, many Americans (including me) are outraged at the legal domestic spying instituted by George Bush. Lines drawn where there were none before. Freedom compromised, America compromised. To hell with the lines!<br /><br />Now, let's study some of the fine citizens calling for the dismissal of Don Imus. Reverend Jesse Jackson claims there is no room for a racist on the radio and Imus should therefore lose his job. A bold, moral assertion from a man of God? Well, in 1984 the good Reverend, in a Washington Post interview, referred to New York City as "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Hymietown</span>." Anti-S<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">emitic</span>. In the 1990's he was exposed as an adulterer. He's a REVEREND! A moral beacon! Plenty of folks, for good reason, condemned <em>his</em> actions and words at the time but I did not hear many claims that Jackson should no longer be allowed to work! And that's the way it <em>should</em> be.<br /><br />In 1987, Reverend Al <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Sharpton</span> (who also wants Imus fired) insisted that teenager <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Tawana</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Brawley</span> was raped by then-New York District Attorney Steven <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Pagones</span>. The entire assertion by Ms. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Brawley</span> turned out to be a lie. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Sharpton</span> chose to never apologize for attacking <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Pagones</span>. Morally bankrupt? You bet! Calls for <em>his</em> retirement? Virtually nil. As it should be. He has the RIGHT to say what he wishes and others have the right to contradict him. America. Rockets red glare and all that goofy bullshit.....<br /><br />I have neither the endurance nor the stomach to detail the many lies spewed forth by Bill <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">O'Reilly</span>. Read Al <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Franken's</span> nifty book, "Lies & The Lying Liars Who Tell Them" to explore this topic. As <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">O'Reilly's</span> executive producer, Andrea <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Mackis</span> claimed (in 2004) that she was subjected to repeated instances of sexual harassment and explicit talk of phone sex, vibrators, and threesomes. Did <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">O'Reilly</span> really do that? Well, FOX paid <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Mackey</span> millions so she would not expose her taped conversations with O'Reilly. And that was the end of that. Recently, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">O'Reilly</span> has aggressively pushed for the firing of Rosie O'Donnell calling her a "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">wack</span> job" who should not have a public forum. Okay then, Bill.<br /><br />Another example of hypocritical nonsense: Several years ago, Christian <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">Wal</span>-Mart customers were offended that the stores carried a George Carlin book titled "When Will Jesus Pass The Pork Chops?" Everyone has a right to be offended. In fact, we have little control over our emotional reactions. But customers by the<em> thousands</em> in effect insisted that NO ONE should have the right to buy the book at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">Wal</span>-Mart. Huh? And <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">Wal</span>-Mart pulled the (hysterical) books from each and every store. Mission accomplished by the Christians. It became clear to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">Wal</span>-Mart that it was more profitable to limit free speech in this case than embrace it. Shame on those corporate pricks. And shame on the unpatriotic Christians who succeeded in suppressing the free speech of someone they disagreed with. They will be horrified to learn one day that George Carlin is in fact God and he will exact his fiendish revenge. Why do so many Americans claim they value freedom ("Greatest country on earth," "They hate us because we're free," etc.) but then demand that the voices of those they disagree with be silenced?<br /><br />I wrote in an earlier post about The Dixie Chicks and Toby Keith. I was angered that southerners claimed that the women should "shut up and sing" while Toby's words (he is <em>for</em> the war) were embraced. Hollywood should apparently "shut up" unless it is Ronald Reagan, Charlton Heston, etc. Come on now, red states, are you for free speech or not? If you're <em>for</em> it then simply walk away from those you disagree with. And don't buy their CDs.<br /><br />Many are outraged that rappers in this country sing about violence, easy money, and material wealth but even those who condemn them do not claim that they have no <em>right</em> to sing about what they wish. As it should be. Since when does saying something "horrible" translate into not being allowed to say it?! </span><br /><span style="color:#ffff66;"></span><br /><span style="color:#ffff66;">Feel free to condemn the words of those you disagree with but, for the love of God, defend their right to say it! Now, feel free to delete this piece.<br /></span><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_N5unkP73rW0/RhsP6Ss6NTI/AAAAAAAAAGs/E33DZT0eGEE/s1600-h/constitution1.gif"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5051648901153174834" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_N5unkP73rW0/RhsP6Ss6NTI/AAAAAAAAAGs/E33DZT0eGEE/s200/constitution1.gif" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="color:#ffff66;">-Paul "Paul" Rosa</span>Paul "Paul" Rosa (NY City), 45.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02185205246951740556noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1192549919626755177.post-69686576039890707562007-04-08T11:32:00.000-05:002007-04-09T15:29:05.756-05:00Pope on a RopeHappy Easter. Now please allow me to ruin it.<br /><br />Well, Pope John Paul II is currently on the fast track to sainthood. The soft-spoken "Polish Pontiff" was an inspiration to millions and his strength while fighting Parkinson's Disease and numerous other ailments was truly inspirational.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_N5unkP73rW0/RhkqbvnzZjI/AAAAAAAAAGU/nyicnTeaqjw/s1600-h/pope6tn.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5051115113200969266" style="WIDTH: 116px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 92px" height="82" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_N5unkP73rW0/RhkqbvnzZjI/AAAAAAAAAGU/nyicnTeaqjw/s200/pope6tn.jpg" width="113" border="0" /></a><br /><br />In order to become a saint ("beatified"), the Catholic church requires proof that he caused a "medically unexplainable" healing. No doubt the church will indeed be convinced of his mysterious, special powers and we'll soon smile and say "Saint John Paul" as casually as we say "tuna melt" or "John McCain is a liar." And all will be well across the quickly-warming planet. But hold your horses, Johnny Rocket....<br /><br />While the Pope certainly seemed like an all-around sweet guy (after all, he often kissed children and old folks on the forehead!), would it not be prudent to nevertheless look at his <em>overall</em> record in determining the measure of the man? Of course it would. Any reasonable person would retort, "Yes, Paul, it is fair to look at a fellow's<em> overall</em> life before deciding if he was a good man, let alone a saint." So, let's graduate to the meat-n-potatoes section of my essay. <strong><em>Lent</em></strong> me your ear, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">har</span>-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">har</span>-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">har</span>-chortle!!<br /><br />Pope John Paul II, over and over again, refused to grant Catholics the right to use birth control. Starving, destitute citizens in third-world countries would NEVER defy the Pope so they could not realize the "benefits" of birth control while enjoying one of life's great (free) pleasures. It is not uncommon to find Catholic women all over the globe with six or more children, none of which they can afford. Living in unimaginable squalor, their desperation can be traced directly to a stone-age belief system, a system that refuses to adjust to the realities of modern life in any way. And let's not forget that countless people died agonizing deaths from AIDS because the Pope proclaimed that birth control of <em>any</em> sort (including condoms) was wrong. Insane? You bet! The Pope, the LEADER of the Catholics, is directly responsible for the suffering of these millions. A saint? Hardly.<br /><br />The Pope's stance on homosexuality was barbaric. He claimed that the Bible condemns homosexuality (simple as that) but never, for example, aggressively ostracized <strong><span style="font-size:130%;">fat</span></strong> people. But isn't gluttony one of the seven <em>deadly</em> sins? He chose to act with cruel indifference to a group of people who hurt no one. Remember Governor George Wallace on the school-house steps, screaming that segregation must prevail? Nasty stuff, eh? What this Pope did was far worse. And those who oppose same-sex marriage are no different from those who oppose interracial marriage. It comes down to hate, regardless of how one hides the hate behind a religion.<br /><br />Next, let's discuss his vicious, <em>misogynistic</em> attitude. For centuries, women have been prevented from becoming Catholic priests because, well, the Catholic church has a history of oppressing women. So when Pope John Paul II came along (1978) he had a chance to change the world. Like Martin Luther King, Jr., he had the opportunity to face the majority and demand justice. And he chose to do nothing, deciding again and again that women were not worthy. Vicious and prehistoric. Hardly the actions of a saint.<br /><br />Anything else, Paul? Yep. For decades, hundreds of priests satisfied their lust by viciously raping countless numbers of trusting Catholic children. And what did the Catholic church do about these outrages? They moved these remorseless pedophiles from church to church, whenever the local complaints became too heated. There is ample evidence that the Cardinals and the Pope knew full well about these atrocities but, rather than expose the precious church's problems, they instead chose to allow their employees/monsters to continue destroying countless young lives with impunity. Allowed them unfettered access to the flesh of vulnerable children. Utterly decimated life after life after life while paying hush money to those who complained. So, if a Pope is the LEADER of the Catholic church, what happened to the old adage, "The buck stops here?" Never once did he personally take responsibility for the actions of his criminal "employees!" A saint? A <em>monster</em> is more like it. Any OTHER boss would have been fired in an instant. Criminal felony charges would then have been filed in short order. But soon this man will be a "saint." Wow.<br /><br />Had enough? Me too. But let's not forget the Pope's barbaric stance against ALL stem-cell research. Further, he opposed E<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">uthanasia</span>, even for patients screaming in agony while enduring final-stage bone cancer.<br /><br />And if all of the above isn't bad enough, the guy was a lousy dresser! Everyone from Yves St. Laurent to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Halston</span> begged the Pontiff to lose the "pistachio-nut hat" but, time after time, he refused to embrace fashion in any way. Dressed sloppily in loose-fitting sheets and gaudy jewelry, the dude was a visual <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">trainwreck</span>.<br /><br />Finally, the Bible is clear when it states (in Matthew 19:16-21), "If thou wilt be perfect, go sell what thou hast and give to the poor." Irrefutably, God is declaring here that man is morally obligated to live simply (avoiding vast material wealth) so ALL of his "flock" may avoid misery. And how did the Pope observe <em>this</em> fun Bible passage? Decide for yourself while enjoying these fine (free) photographs....<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_N5unkP73rW0/RhkyoPnzZkI/AAAAAAAAAGc/-SIRAJEnjmk/s1600-h/popepalace.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5051124124042356290" style="WIDTH: 215px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 170px" height="170" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_N5unkP73rW0/RhkyoPnzZkI/AAAAAAAAAGc/-SIRAJEnjmk/s200/popepalace.jpg" width="199" border="0" /></a><br />-Papal Palace in Vatican City<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_N5unkP73rW0/Rhkyz_nzZlI/AAAAAAAAAGk/F2OyBXcqlHw/s1600-h/dump_2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5051124325905819218" style="WIDTH: 212px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 171px" height="134" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_N5unkP73rW0/Rhkyz_nzZlI/AAAAAAAAAGk/F2OyBXcqlHw/s200/dump_2.jpg" width="187" border="0" /></a><br />-Catholic kids living on a Sao Paulo dump.<br /><br />Friends, I welcome all comments but, if doing so angrily, please point out <strong><em>specifically</em></strong> which assertions I got wrong. I am always eager to grow and learn. Thanks and God bless America.<br /><br />-Paul C. RosaPaul "Paul" Rosa (NY City), 45.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02185205246951740556noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1192549919626755177.post-45148896082640662802007-04-05T10:39:00.000-05:002007-04-08T16:29:17.986-05:00The Land Down Under<span style="color:#ffff33;">Let's go international, shall we?<br /><br />Mexico. <em>Land of a Thousand Sighs. The Sunshine Paradise. God's Baked Land of Love</em>. It has long boasted many nicknames and evoked countless passions so I decided to visit this mysterious southern territory myself and file this report.<br /><br />I visited <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Yelapa</span> ("Enchanted Place of Great Natural Beauty and Inspiration"), situated a short boat ride from the tourist-infested city of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Puerto</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Vallarta</span>. A primitive town, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Yelapa</span> has only had electricity for seven years and features no roads whatsoever. Cell phone options? Forget it, Yankee! Internet? Inter<em>not! </em>Paper and pen? You betcha' !<br /></span><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_N5unkP73rW0/RhUow_nzZhI/AAAAAAAAAGE/J8qoyej_74Y/s1600-h/beach.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5049987379343091218" style="WIDTH: 239px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 151px" height="132" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_N5unkP73rW0/RhUow_nzZhI/AAAAAAAAAGE/J8qoyej_74Y/s200/beach.jpg" width="226" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="color:#ffff66;">Nestled in an enchanted cove (no doubt many decades old), <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Yelapa</span> features almost-constant sunshine, a gently breaking surf, handsome locals selling shiny artifacts, and primitive (but lovely) homes scattered throughout the surrounding hills. At the rear of many of these hovels, small family-run restaurants can be found. Delicious fish tacos, zesty chicken tortillas, ranches <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">swerve-os</span> (egg concoction). Heavenly! <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Margueritas</span>, Daiquiris, Coronas. Sweet, tipsy refreshment.<br /><br />And for the "losers" in Yelapan society? Mountains of marijuana and hash are exchanged as casually as tablets of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Pez</span>. Don't these primitive folks realize these are "gateway drugs?" I could clearly picture some of the stoned 60-year-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">olds</span> eventually moving on to crystal <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">meth</span> or heroin. Only a matter of time. For shame.<br /><br />Indeed it was the "Sunshine Paradise," but I must now dutifully report some <em>other</em> aspects of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Yelapa</span> which I found to be...lacking. Let me start with the way people speak. Despite easy access to e<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">nglish</span> books written by such literary stars as Hemingway, Melville, and Jackie Collins, most of the citizens of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Yelapa</span> spoke <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">jibberish</span>! Often, when asking for directions or ordering a meal, I was forced to repeat myself again and again before being understood! As a professional writer and <em>Level 9 English Orator</em> (as recognized by the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Brawdings</span> Institute) I am comfortable in the notion that I communicated with great clarity. But time and time again, these tanned locals looked at me with great confusion and were unable to answer the most basic questions. How do they hope to compete with the United States (greatest country on earth) if their english is <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">abyssmal</span>?<br /><br />And speaking of competition, I must address the restaurant "situation" in Mexico. Often, when sitting down at a beach restaurant, I was forced to wait up to ten minutes for any attention whatsoever! A casual fellow or gal would eventually amble over to my table and, after mispronouncing hello ("<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">ola</span>?!"), deliver a menu. In America, the menu is often <em>already </em>on the table and a waiter is prepared to take your order within minutes. American efficiency and excellence, my friends, form the bedrock of our global superiority and economic might. After another 10-15 minutes, the waiter (often wearing shorts and a T-shirt!) would take my order and another 20-30 minutes were squandered as I awaited my nutritious offering. Given there were no Blackberry or cell phone options, I was forced to gaze stupidly at the ocean during this time and, as Americans know, inefficient time is wasted time.<br /><br />Finally, I was intensely uncomfortable to see many small, local children dashing about wearing sandals and little else. Typically, the little girls were topless and, as any good American Pastor will confirm, children should be taught Christian modesty as early as possible. As these sun-baked youngsters dashed about the village, giggling and holding hands, I could not help but believe that their parents were utterly failing them. Conformity is the key to success and <em>undeveloped <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">bosoms</span> are <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">bosoms</span> nonetheless</em>. I could only mourn the fact that many of these little girls would fall into lives of prostitution.<br /><br />In conclusion, Mexico is the place to go if you want a warm, lazy vacation. But if excellence and efficiency are what gives you your "get up and go," might I suggest <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">Las</span> Vegas? And I would recommend, should you visit Mexico, that you bring a few dozen english books along as gifts for the locals.<br /></span><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_N5unkP73rW0/RhUpXPnzZiI/AAAAAAAAAGM/4q3qSL5gKIY/s1600-h/HWD_cover.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5049988036473087522" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_N5unkP73rW0/RhUpXPnzZiI/AAAAAAAAAGM/4q3qSL5gKIY/s200/HWD_cover.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20"></span><br /><span style="color:#ffff66;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error">Aufwiedersehen</span>,<br />Paul C. Rosa</span>Paul "Paul" Rosa (NY City), 45.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02185205246951740556noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1192549919626755177.post-83527159004733373672007-03-18T23:13:00.000-05:002007-03-19T00:48:28.037-05:00Freedom Isn't Free!<span style="color:#ffff66;">Some words for you:<br /><br />Reading a newspaper the other day (we'll call it "The Daily News"), I read an article about a fella' who died. At one point in the (fawning) article the man was dubbed "patriotic." To prove this point, the writer explained that the deceased always sang along to the national anthem (with hand over heart) and hung an American flag from his front porch 365 days a year. No other proof was offered that he was patriotic. Correction: NO proof was offered that he was patriotic!<br /><br />At what point in this country's history (in the land of the free) did we decide that behaving exactly like everyone else indicates national pride? When did hollow gestures (rather than real actions) become the litmus test for determining love of country?<br /><br />Before virtually every sporting event in America the contest begins only after the national anthem is sung. All in attendance are "required" to stand and remove their head gear. Many go further and place their hands over the hearts. Many sing along. Fine, but in a country that supposedly cherishes freedom of expression, why does everyone behave exactly the same way when it comes to <em>showing</em> it? If the national anthem is sung at Yankee Stadium but you choose to stay seated (while wearing a hat) you will surely be cursed, spit upon, or hit. But why? Because regardless of how much you may love your country's freedoms you are expected to CONFORM while the anthem for the land of the FREE spills from the speakers. Irony? Oh, yeah.<br /><br />The vast majority of Americans are pleased that the "Pledge of Allegiance" is <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">bleated</span> in public school rooms even though the man who wrote the pledge in 1892 (Baptist Minister Francis Bellamy) did not include "one nation under God." As a TRUE patriot, this religious man recognized that America is <strong>one nation under the <em>Constitution!</em></strong> He surely would have been displeased when, in 1954, congress added "one nation under God." But regardless of the text, we have here another example of Americans (small children) being indoctrinated with nationalistic nonsense. Pledging allegiance to America?! I don't know about the rest of you but I'll leave the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">cultish</span></span> chanting to the brain-dead and pledge allegiance to NO nation. What does "pledging allegiance" even <em>mean?!</em> Hell, if I get a "better offer" from Finland, The Czech Republic, or South Korea I'll leave America tomorrow! And given the direction this country has moved in the last five years, this doesn't sound like such a bad idea...<br /><br />But let me be clear here. I do think it's fine to love your country but -how about it, folks- can't we show a little individuality and creativity? After all, it <em>is</em> the LAND OF THE FREE!! <em>Celebrate</em> that fact! If the national anthem is sung at a basketball game, instead of taking off your hat, why not stack three more on top? Why is <em>this</em> unpatriotic? Says who? No one. Instead of asking our kids to place their hands over their hearts, why not encourage them to have fun and place their hands on anything that comes to mind (elbow, nose, teacher's butt). Who dubbed non-conformity <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">unpatrotic</span></span>? I don't know but I bet he was no fun to be with.<br /><br />Instead of hanging a flag from the front porch (more tiresome, unimaginative conformity) why not show your country how much you love its freedoms by hanging an enormous ball of aluminum foil or 722 bananas from the front of your home? That's so much more <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">patriotic</span> than a flag, don't you agree? Of course you do.<br /><br />Finally, in courtrooms across the land (where freedoms are protected) folks are "expected" to put one hand on the Bible, raise the other, and "swear to God." Huh?! What century and country is this? What is the point of this bizarre, ancient practice? Well, it's the same nonsense as with all of the above topics I rambled about. In this country we show our sincerity and patriotism by falling fully in line like brainwashed North Koreans at Kim <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Jong</span></span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Il's</span> annual autumn jamboree.<br /><br />Well, at the price of (slight) social isolation and the moderate stress of "bucking the system," I AM NOT DRINKING THIS PATRIOTIC <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">KOOL</span></span>-AID! The pressure to conform is ferocious, never-ending, and often <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">irresistible</span>. But each time we do so we sacrifice a little bit more of ourselves and disrespect the very country that offers us almost limitless possibilities for personal freedom.</span><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_N5unkP73rW0/Rf4iEm8-mVI/AAAAAAAAAF4/gOLZCd1aHdk/s1600-h/Carlos-Smith.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5043506095272663378" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_N5unkP73rW0/Rf4iEm8-mVI/AAAAAAAAAF4/gOLZCd1aHdk/s200/Carlos-Smith.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="color:#ffff66;">Rockets red glare,<br />Paul C. Rosa</span>Paul "Paul" Rosa (NY City), 45.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02185205246951740556noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1192549919626755177.post-84468160853749560462007-03-17T22:00:00.000-05:002007-03-18T17:40:12.664-05:00NCAA Sweat Shops....<span style="color:#ffff66;">Hey,<br /><br />One of the most exciting and popular sporting events in America is the NCAA ("March Madness") Basketball Tournament. In three short weeks, the original 64 teams are whittled down to the "Final Four" and <em>these</em> teams compete over three days to determine the national champion. The "lose or go home" format results in incredible, almost desperate play, and the results are often electrifying. But could there be a down side to all this unfettered glory? Well, leave it to (pain in the ass) Paul to spoil this spectacular, sweaty parade....<br /><br />This year, CBS is paying $420,000,000 for exclusive coverage of the (three-week) NCAA Basketball Tournament. But the players don't get a dime of this stunning loot. Zip. Zero. Huh?! Could this truly be?! CBS is willing to pay almost half a <strong><span style="font-size:130%;"><em>billion</em></span></strong> dollars to broadcast these elite athletes but the athletes get <strong><em>none</em></strong> of the cash? Why?<br /><br />Well, it's explained (by those in power) that these are "amateur athletes" and that's that. We are also (in the same breath) reminded that the athletes are indeed paid in the form of college scholarships, often worth tens of thousands of dollars a year. But if they are amateurs who are already being <strong><em>paid</em></strong> (i.e. "not amateurs"), why can't the 800-900 athletes competing in this monstrously-lucrative tournament (99% of whom will never make it to the pros) also share in the enormous profits that they themselves create? That's when the tepid explanations from the "experts" usually dry up, it seems.<br /><br />Beloved coach Mike <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Krzyzewski</span> (of Duke University) has a $6.6 million dollar contract with Nike and, in exchange,<em> forces</em> his players (surprise, none of them ever <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">dissent</span>) to wear Nike apparel and shoes. His players provide the speedy "billboards" for Nike's products and the beloved coach sits on the sidelines and hauls in millions. Um, that's bullshit. Plenty of other college coaches enjoy similar contracts with other athletic companies. The players never get a nickel, while <em>exclusively</em> offering the valuable service! Can someone please give me another example (anywhere on earth) where an individual brings in hundreds of thousands dollars yearly through his/her OWN efforts but receives no compensation <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">whatsoever</span>? Hell, even the Indonesian sweatshop workers who toil in Nike factories (true!) receive a <em>bit</em> of pay!<br /><br />But those who support the present system (often those who also <em>profit</em> from it) claim, "Well, these <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">universities</span> provide the valuable opportunity for players to 'showcase' their talents and impress the NBA, where they can go on and make millions of dollars." Absolutely true, but this does not mean the system is <strong><em>fair</em></strong>. For example, let's say you have a successful job interview. The boss-man who hires you then explains you will be paid <em>nothing</em> while you remain with them but, after four years, you will be much more marketable and can earn a very tidy wage <em>elsewhere</em>. How long would it take you to stop laughing in his face? But if ALL companies decided to take this approach, you really wouldn't have a choice but to work for nothing for a few years. It is patently unfair but the alternative is worse. That's college sports for ya.' Modern day slavery with the tantalizing (tiny) possibility of eventual marketability.<br /><br />Colleges insist that these are "student athletes," as a way of dismissing the notion that they should be paid. But anyone who's attended a major university in America knows full well that the athletes are encouraged to take special (easy) classes in order to receive passing grades and are pressured to dedicate countless hours each day to practice. "Impressive graduation rates" are often mentioned when discussing certain programs (like Penn State) but even a mentally retarded lad could graduate from most of these institutions! Years ago an NFL player (Dexter Manley) confessed that he could not read or write, even though he <em>graduated</em> from Oklahoma State University! As coaches are under enormous pressure to succeed (or get fired) they are of course also under extreme pressure to dissuade activities (such as studying) that take players <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">away from</span> the practice field. Remarkably, some special student-athletes heroically still manage to do well in school. Kudos to them. They are in the vast minority.<br /><br />The elite players (usually the ones competing in "March Madness") are specifically recruited to win games but, more importantly, to bring millions of dollars to the university (and the NCAA in general). And the NBA (surprise, surprise!) now has a rule that forces athletes to play one year of college ball before attempting to play in <em>their</em> league. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Hmmm</span>, an 18-year-old adult can fight and die in an unprovoked war but may no longer offer his job skills on the open market? The NBA and college basketball insist that an 18-year-old is too "immature" for the NBA but many of the best players in the league came straight out of high school (Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Kevin <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Garnett</span>, Tracy <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">McGrady</span>)! The argument is, of course, bullshit and it's all designed to further stuff the pockets of the wealthy.<br /><br />In conclusion, college sports (especially football!) is nothing <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">more</span> than an agreement by those in power to exclude ALL of its most vital workers from sharing in the stunning wealth they alone create. The only people who have the power to render this colossal "business" b<span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">ankrupt</span> (the players) are also the only ones who are not paid. And God forbid they try to unionize. Let me assure you, they will be crushed as swiftly and surely as those noble souls who occasionally try to stand up to Wal-Mart or McDonald's!<br /><br />After 4-5 years of college, where they were dissuaded from preparing themselves for the real world, a few dozen lucky players "graduate" to NBA riches. The remaining 99% are tossed to the curb, only to be replaced a few months later by other youngsters (usually poor and academically unprepared) who naively consider themselves lucky to be there. They're not. </span><br /><br /><span style="color:#ffff66;"></span><span style="color:#ffff66;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_N5unkP73rW0/RfzNEW8-mUI/AAAAAAAAAFw/bYnsTPj3Ums/s1600-h/1924.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5043131157512624450" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_N5unkP73rW0/RfzNEW8-mUI/AAAAAAAAAFw/bYnsTPj3Ums/s200/1924.jpg" border="0" /></a></span><br /><span style="color:#ffff66;"><br /></span><span style="color:#ffff66;">-Paul C. Rosa</span>Paul "Paul" Rosa (NY City), 45.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02185205246951740556noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1192549919626755177.post-32598869781783701492007-03-12T23:08:00.000-05:002007-03-13T12:59:33.809-05:00Prove It?<span style="color:#ffffff;"></span><br /><span style="color:#ffffff;">It is 1:18 a.m. EST and you don't care,<br /><br />"I am as open-minded as the next man, as long as that man is no more open-minded than me." Anyone who knows me well knows that this has been my (unofficial) motto since I graduated in the top 62% of my Pittsburgh high school class of 1980. And it has served me well, ladies and gentlemen, through three marriages, seven children, nine careers, and a long struggle with pathological lying.<br /><br />When it comes to open-mindedness, I find that I am completely accepting of other folks' beliefs as long as they are not pushed in my face. Aside from some Christian conservatives who have told me I should accept Jesus as my personal savior, I rarely encounter the self-righteous, especially in New York City. Here, not minding your own business can get you killed <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">lickety</span>-split and that's one of the city's many strengths.<br /><br />But sometimes I simply don't <em>feel </em>like minding my own business so I now welcome your taunts of "hypocrite," "son of a bitch," and (oddly) "omnivore!" But I shall vent nonetheless. Short of doing so, this blog entry would end right here but you shall not be so fortunate. I think some beliefs are simply bullshit and I'm going to discuss a few below. Care to join me? Come on, it'll be good, sarcastic fun!<br /><br />There's no such thing as a "psychic." How can I be so sure? Well, thousands and thousands of people claim to be psychic but not a single one can prove they predicted something awful would happen on the east coast on 9/11 in the year 2001. Not ONE psychic had the "skill" to let easterners know that some sort (any sort!) of danger loomed large on the eastern seaboard that day. Furthermore, shouldn't "psychics" know which people wish to talk to them and then simply call them collect? And why do they have doorbells on their office doors? Shouldn't they be able to buzz people in the moment they arrive? Thus, I have proved that there's no such thing as a "psychic." It's bullshit.<br /><br />There's no such thing as a faith healer. We've all seen clowns like Peter <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Popoff</span> frothing at the mouth while they "heal the sick." Paralyzed people walk, blind people see, and arthritic people play the banjo. "So?" you may say as you ponder a second <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Fresca</span>. Well, have ya' noticed that they can only "heal" those who have nothing <em>visibly</em> wrong? How can we be sure the above folks were indeed afflicted as advertised? We can't. The faith healers never seem to be able to help people with weeping sores, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">hairlips</span>, or decaying teeth! Indeed, whenever there's a chance to visibly <strong><em>prove</em></strong> to the skeptics that they indeed have special powers they are as absent as George Bush from the National Guard! Isn't God willing to prove his power? Not even once? Faith healing is bullshit.<br /><br />Astrology is bullshit. Hundreds of people I've met over the years who respect astrology have guessed my zodiac sign and roughly one out of twelve have guessed it correctly. During moments of staggering boredom I have read my horoscope in the paper and am often rewarded with such deep insights as "Hard work will reward you." These gems are usually about as revealing and vague as your average fortune cookie ("Be nice rather than mean."). The very idea that one's personal development would be shaped by the positioning of the planets at the time of birth is so preposterous that, as a gesture of protest, I will use no punctuation at the end of this sentence<br /><br />Christian Scientists are full of shit. They do not believe in medical intervention except for the setting of broken bones. HUH? The good Lord can take care of any illness but when it comes to a few broken bones the Big Man is rendered helpless? Please. As with the faith healers, it seems these folks will not give God the chance to truly <em>prove</em> his powers! If a kid dies from cancer or leukemia parents can simply claim that Billy or Suzie would have died anyway (no matter what) and "God has his reasons." And no one can prove otherwise. But if a leg is fractured in six places the brats will immediately be taken to the Emergency Room! Could this be because parents do not want to take the chance that, since God would fail to heal the bone EACH AND EVERY TIME, their faith might be exposed as lunacy? Why waste money on braces when God could straighten the teeth? Why wear eyeglasses? Hell, why even shower if God has the ability to make one clean? Christian Science is bullshit.<br /><br />And thus ends my senseless rant. I hope you did not find it offensive in any way and I urge each and every one of you to accept others as they are!<br /></span><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_N5unkP73rW0/RfYu-m8-mSI/AAAAAAAAAFg/_VHUBZEse0c/s1600-h/386785246_1f07cb3af2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5041268486030924066" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_N5unkP73rW0/RfYu-m8-mSI/AAAAAAAAAFg/_VHUBZEse0c/s200/386785246_1f07cb3af2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />-Paul C. RosaPaul "Paul" Rosa (NY City), 45.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02185205246951740556noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1192549919626755177.post-67031437201179362902007-03-10T14:10:00.000-05:002007-03-10T15:44:50.916-05:00Til' Death Don't Us Part<span style="color:#00cccc;"></span><br /><span style="color:#00cccc;">Hello.<br /><br />A ring. A princess dress. A dull tuxedo. A place of worship. A bunch of ladies in matching, colorful dresses. A reception. A big cake. A drunk Uncle. A honeymoon. Even those with severe learning disabilities associate these buzz words with <strong><em>weddings.</em></strong> Every pretty little American girl dreams of growing up and having "Daddy" spring for a lavish wedding, spending enough money on a 6-hour event (including reception) to save the lives of hundreds of impoverished people. But what the hell, ladies and gentlemen, brides and grooms... Ya' only get married once! And those folks from Darfur should pick themselves up by their bootstraps...once they can afford boots. Or even straps.<br /><br />Actually, more than 50% of marriages end in divorce (ironically, it's a much<em> higher</em> percentage in red states) and, as we all know, well over 50% of the remaining "successful" marriages are studies in strain, stress, and barely-controlled homicidal tendencies. So why is marriage such a big deal? Why is it such a revered institution? Because it represents what most of us truly want, a lifetime spent in bliss with someone who spiritually lifts us up and (at night) allows us to touch their "naughty bits." Nothing wrong with that, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">dadgummit</span>.<br /><br />Marriage is such an important aspect of (accepted) American life that many people who come to detest each other will stay together for <em>decades</em> rather than face the surly glances of their fellow (unhappily married, jealous) constituents. Politicians who wish to be elected have plenty of explaining to do if they were divorced in the past (though it didn't stop Ronald "AIDS doesn't exist" Reagan, the ONLY divorced President ever!). Divorced politicians are considered to be (mostly by tiresome conservatives) morally weak and unwilling to commit to their holy wedding vows which trumpet "til' death do us part." But those who <em>remain</em> married have no obligation to show supporting <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">evidence</span> that<em> their </em>unions are based on love, respect, and blissful sexual compatibility. It is simply assumed that these people are morally superior when in fact the vast majority of them are unhappy (the above statistics support this)! How very, very odd and how very, very American. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Suffering</span> is better than truth.<br /><br />Of the 50% of Americans who remain married, probably half of <em>them</em> remain unhappily married <strong><em>"for the kids." </em></strong>The assumption here is that Jimmy, Lucy, Trent, Sally, Butch, Felicia, Carole, One-Eyed Joe, Brad, and (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">adoptee</span>) Soon-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Quee</span> are <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">better</span> served by two parents who detest each other than two parents who live peacefully apart. Huh? This notion that kids are too naive to recognize tension and misery in their parents is pure hogwash. Kids can <strong><em>always</em></strong> tell and demonstrating to them that marriage represents an ungodly, inescapable trap is a disservice of the highest order. Frankly, it's a form of child abuse.<br /><br />Many tiresome folks (again, usually red <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">staters</span>) will sniffle, "Since the 1950's the institution of marriage has been in steady decline. Bullshit. Perhaps people these days don't work hard enough on their relationships but at least those who <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">absolutely</span> SHOULD divorce are doing so. Fifty years ago women were almost entirely dependent on their husbands for financial stability and social acceptance. Divorce was <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">considered</span> a humiliating failure and neighbors and clergymen alike would gather in musty coffee shops and speak poorly of the shattered woman's character. This absurd notion that people should stay together through thick, thin, thinner, and translucent is destructive and smacks of ancient religious nonsense. People simply grow and often in entirely different directions. Respect the truth and move on, regardless of how painful it may be in the short term.<br /><br />Sure, people should work hard on their unions (married or not) but shit happens. If both parties are miserable and cannot alter these feelings, they should ignore their stuffy, sex-starved priests and follow their hearts! Have a sit-down with the kids and carefully explain to them in loving terms that the gig just ain't working. Assure them that its not their fault, promise to be there for them and begin packing hubbie's battered suitcase for his extended stay in "The Grimy Bachelor Apartments" (at the corner of Sinner Street and Bible Boulevard). Of course it is the religious folks who always are quickest to condemn those who divorce. But are they being just a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">teensy</span> bit <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">hypocritical</span>? Let's learn some fun facts....<br /><br /><strong>States with <em>highest</em> divorce rates: Nevada, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Wyoming, Indiana, Alabama (ALL <span style="color:#ff0000;">RED</span> STATES!).</strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>States with <em>lowest</em> divorce rates: Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Jersey, Rhode Island, New York, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, (ALL BLUE STATES!).</strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong></strong></span><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_N5unkP73rW0/RfMRyG8-mRI/AAAAAAAAAFY/aalWRHmNu3s/s1600-h/JL-Grooms-SM.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5040391960515221778" style="WIDTH: 166px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 188px" height="152" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_N5unkP73rW0/RfMRyG8-mRI/AAAAAAAAAFY/aalWRHmNu3s/s200/JL-Grooms-SM.jpg" width="128" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="color:#ffff66;"><span style="color:#33ffff;">-Bachelor Paul</span><br /><br /></span><span style="color:#ffff66;"></span>Paul "Paul" Rosa (NY City), 45.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02185205246951740556noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1192549919626755177.post-67486662001392241042007-03-04T13:37:00.000-05:002007-03-04T15:10:42.002-05:00Be Young, Have Fun, Buy Useless Crap!<span style="color:#ffff66;">Readers,<br /><br />Advertisers are so monstrously effective at manipulation that they routinely compel us to buy expensive things that are completely useless! Take bottled water for example. In the vast majority of American cities, the tap water is just as good for you as the bottled variety. In fact, if water is bottled and then sold within the <em>same</em> state, the health regulations are not as strict as those for the local tap water! People buy the stuff for $3.50 a bottle because they believe, well, it MUST be better for you. Nope, it ain't.<br /><br />Some women (and a few men) will spend $50, $100, $250 for a small bottle of skin moisturizer. "Why the hell not?" they may roar, "I'm worth it!" Of course you are because, God forbid, any of us actually <em>look</em> our age. Such aging would be unseemly and disquieting. But guess what? In a recent laboratory test of dozens of different moisturizers, Vaseline Intensive Care (at about $3.00 per gallon, with complimentary soup <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">ladle</span>) tested as high as any of the expensive ones! The cheap stuff does just as good a job when it comes to softening skin!<br /><br />A similar test was also conducted with shampoos. Ya' know the $45 bottles of shampoo (8 oz.) you can purchase from your (learned) hair stylist? Well, I hate to burst your bubble (lame pun intended) but laboratory tests concluded that the 15 oz. supermarket shampoo (at $4 per bottle) leaves your hair every bit as healthy and shiny. That's right! You've been wasting your money, Ms. Aniston!<br /><br />Third example: People in the "land of the free" spend BILLIONS of dollars on vitamins in order to remain healthy and strong. "Well what the hell is so wrong with <em>this</em>, you bitter, annoying comic?" you may roar between breathless gulps of Diet Mountain Dew. Well, Dieter, unless you have vitamin deficiencies or an abysmal (KFC-based) diet, vitamins are completely useless. Eighty percent (figure made up out of whole cloth) of citizens get enough daily vitamins to render the store-bought pills utterly redundant. But we buy em' anyway because the people in the commercials are so...so...attractive!<br /><br />What the marketing cretins have so effectively done is to convince us that growing old is an unacceptable horror and we should spend as much money as possible fighting it. Even the elderly buy into this nonsense. While we should be revering them for their wisdom, their chewy chocolate chip cookies, and their potential inheritance windfall <span style="font-size:85%;">(<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">hee</span>),</span> they are pathetically describing themselves as "82 years...young." How <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">freakin</span>' offensive. Pepsi once used as its slogan, "Be young, have fun, drink Pepsi!" I wrote to them, asking how elderly people were supposed to "be young." They brightly replied, "You're only as old as you feel." Infuriating! What the hell is so wrong with being 82 and <em>FEELING</em> 82?! No wonder aging in the good ol' U.S. of A. is such an emotional nightmare (accompanied by the inevitable physical difficulties).<br /><br />Of course it's no longer enough to slather one's body with all manner of unnecessary, ineffective products in order to appear several years younger (it never works). Many of us now find it necessary to invest in plastic surgery. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">BOTOX</span> to the forehead, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">facelifts</span>, lip plumping, belly-button smoothing. Indeed, plastic surgery often makes the patients appear younger but, with each passing procedure, less "human." The wildly-creative Joan Rivers, for instance, looks to be about 40 years old (she's 73) but also appears to be from another solar system. It's sad. But we <em>still</em> can't get enough of her well-honed, biting wit! And her daughter? What a prodigy!<br /><br />In some places (like Japan and Italy) old people are treated with dignity. Would it be too much for us to..um..ask <em>our</em> old people to move there as well? Do they not deserve the same respect? Of <em>course</em> they do. So be a good son or daughter, buy dear old Mom and Dad airline tickets, and secure your eventual place in the house of the Lord or something.</span><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_N5unkP73rW0/Resgvez4iHI/AAAAAAAAAFA/meeGJxTuuWo/s1600-h/mj.jpg"></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_N5unkP73rW0/ResmfOz4iII/AAAAAAAAAFI/D9bE07O0W7E/s1600-h/Japan.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5038162926137542786" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_N5unkP73rW0/ResmfOz4iII/AAAAAAAAAFI/D9bE07O0W7E/s200/Japan.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_N5unkP73rW0/ResmkOz4iJI/AAAAAAAAAFQ/vxs4PmMvjFI/s1600-h/Italy.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5038163012036888722" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_N5unkP73rW0/ResmkOz4iJI/AAAAAAAAAFQ/vxs4PmMvjFI/s200/Italy.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="color:#ffff66;">Hungry for pie,<br />Paul C. Rosa</span>Paul "Paul" Rosa (NY City), 45.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02185205246951740556noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1192549919626755177.post-3221365707538017182007-03-02T12:51:00.000-05:002007-03-03T00:48:49.598-05:00Body Armor(Amusing Greeting Here),<br /><br />One of the sad burdens many men carry for a lifetime is the constant obligation to appear "tough" or "cool." Most men make it their life's (exhausting) mission to appear completely unflappable and tough as nails. We learn this behavior as small boys and hone the facade throughout high school and into adulthood. And how do most men pursue this charade? Well, by appearing exactly like almost every <em>other</em> man in the country! These "fellas," in order to demonstrate their self-assured dominance, choose to slip into their tiresome, identical "costumes" each and every morning and strut around like <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Silverback</span></span> gorillas. Laughable.<br /><br />Go into any sports bar in America (all so horrible) and witness the typical American male on display. Sure enough, 90% of these tedious lads utilize two or more of the following accessories:<br /><br />1. Tattoo(s), usually including "barbed wire" around a swollen bicep.<br />2. Baseball cap worn <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">askew. That's right, symmetry is for pussies.</span><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected">3. Athletic jersey with name of local sports hero on back. Shouldn't this childish custom </span><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected">cease at age 12?</span> You're 45 and you have Derek <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Jeter's</span></span> name printed on your back?!<br />4. Earring. Left side, lest anyone (gasp!) conclude you fancy men.<br /><br />So, all of this "body armor" is designed to (<span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">desperately</span>) convince the world that you are "cool" but also "not to be fucked with." Yawn. If you want to be cool why not dress in a fashion that is completely<em> original?!</em> Lose that stupid barbed wire tattoo and adorn your bicep with a full-color picture of George Bush being sodomized by <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Osama</span></span> Bin Laden! Show off <em>that</em> artistic beauty at the local military bar on a F<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">riday</span> night and we'll see just how tough and cool you are! Funny, sure, but tough?<br /><br />All of the "pro" wrestlers lamely scream and shout about their invincibility while disrespecting their opponents with angry "words that sting." This <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">vaudeville</span> show is completely boring as there is ZERO originality whatsoever! We get it, ya' steroid freaks, you're tough and you're gonna' kick ass. Yawn. How about an ORIGINAL character for once? How about the "Sheepish Shepherd?" A shy lad who, when not tending his well-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">mannered</span> flock, comes to the big city for some good-natured grappling. In interviews he shows the utmost respect toward his opponents (with crisp grammar), declares he has a "minor" chance of prevailing, and then DESTROYS his moronic adversary.<br /><br />And where's the sense of humor from these jocks? I don't think any of them have EVER said anything funny in those riveting post-game interviews. They ramble on an on about staying focused and thanking Jesus, the same crap over and over again. Just like they were taught by their peers and their domineering fathers who themselves were lousy at sports a quarter-century earlier. Hey, stud, ya' got a national audience listening! Say something that has not been uttered a million times before! Have fun! Examples:<br /><br />1. Blame the loss on barometric pressure or <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Keanu</span> Reeve's lousy acting.<br />2. Say, "A victory for us would have meant victory for the terrorists and I simply could not permit this."<br />3. Ignore the question and hop around like a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">lil</span>' bunny.<br /><br />PLEASE, say anything but that "time tested" jock bullshit!<br /><br />And has an athlete ever done something funny <strong><em>on</em></strong> the playing field? Occasionally. But if they get <span style="font-size:130%;"><em>too</em></span> creative (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">end-zone</span> dances) the "establishment" starts levying fines because the white folks begin to consider taking their advertising dollars elsewhere.<br /><br />How about this for fun: Let's say you're an athlete and <em>your</em> team is winning a baseball game 18-1 in the top of the ninth inning. If you hit a single, why the hell not run directly to third base?! Sure you'll be ruled "out," but so what?! You're winning 18-1! Have fun! In 130 years of baseball this has never happened once. Why? Because this would disrespect the "jock code" and show a little originality.<br /><br />Finally, I'm tired of the dull (tough sounding) sports team names. The Chargers, The Bears, The Patriots, The Vikings. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Zzzzzzzzzz</span>...... Why not utilize even <em>scarier</em> names: The Kansas City Kathie Lee <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Giffords</span>, The Baltimore <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Ebolas</span>, The Atlanta Al <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Qaedas, The Arkansas Evangelicals!</span> Come on, a little creativity here, please!!<br /><br />In conclusion, there is nothing cool or tough about acting like 90% of your "pals." It's lazy, it's uninspiring, but it is incredibly tempting to do so. Fight the urge and be a<em> real</em> man.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_N5unkP73rW0/Reh3O-z4iFI/AAAAAAAAAEo/M9Xb2Cws07s/s1600-h/tattoo.jpg"></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_N5unkP73rW0/Reh7POz4iGI/AAAAAAAAAE0/8wQPR3pvqsQ/s1600-h/gorilla.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5037411684817864802" style="WIDTH: 146px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 111px" height="101" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_N5unkP73rW0/Reh7POz4iGI/AAAAAAAAAE0/8wQPR3pvqsQ/s200/gorilla.jpg" width="146" border="0" /></a><br /><br />-Paul C. RosaPaul "Paul" Rosa (NY City), 45.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02185205246951740556noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1192549919626755177.post-45002398639019242042007-02-26T22:44:00.000-05:002007-03-02T12:50:33.431-05:00Conservatively Speaking<span style="color:#ff0000;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"></span></span><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error">Enjoyers</span> of Fine Things,<br /><br />After the recent Academy Awards I again heard a lot of conservatives complaining about the "Hollywood elites" and liberal entertainers in general. We've all heard them hiss at Barbara Streisand and The Dixie Chicks to, "Shut Up and Sing." For years they have thundered that "Hollywood is out of touch!" One conservative announcer (lamely) joked about "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Hollyweird</span>." Do they have a point? Should Hollywood (and entertainers in general) not comment on politics and instead stick to whatever it is they do best? Let's continue, shall we?<br /><br />Wasn't Ronald Reagan a <em>Hollywood</em> actor? I believe he was. In fact I think he made a hysterical, well-received 1951 movie with a monkey named "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Bonzo</span>!" Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha - I love funny monkeys! He was also the President of the United States from January, 1981 until January, 1989. He was (and remains) a beloved hero among conservatives even though he is now, well, a skeleton. Academy Award winner (for "Ben <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Hur</span>") Charlton Heston was the revered president of the NRA for many years. Toby Keith is a hugely successful country-music star (just like the Dixie Chicks). He performs songs which encourage such American diplomacy as, "Put a boot in their ass. It's the American way." Reagan and Heston were members of the "Hollywood elite" and Toby Keith does the same thing for a living that The Dixie Chicks and Barbra Streisand do. So why didn't conservatives ever tell Reagan or Heston to "shut up and act" or tell Toby to "shut up and sing?" Well, because they happened to <em>agree</em> with these particular entertainers.<br /><br />So it clearly follows that conservatives have nothing against celebrities <em>per <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">se</span></em> as long as they <em>agree </em>with their views. But, if this is <em>not</em> the case, the performers instantly become <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">un</span>-American and should shut the fuck up, free speech be damned. Seems a bit hypocritical but surely the conservatives draw the line here. There can not be any further examples of such hypocrisy, can there?<br /><br />Conservatives routinely condemn homosexuals as "sinners" because (simply stated) the Bible declares this behavior sinful. It's pretty straightforward, right? No hypocrisy here, ya' damned long-hairs! Jerry Falwell is a Christian hero for, among other reasons, speaking out against gay sinners and encouraging them to sign up for the highly-effective therapy that <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">seamlessly</span> turns gay people "straight." But hold your horses! Jerry Falwell weighs (conservatively) 300 pounds. He is, without question, morbidly obese. "So?" you may say, "It's the American way." But isn't <strong>Gluttony</strong> one of the seven <strong><em>deadly </em></strong>sins? It sure is! Why isn't Falwell (or other Christian preachers) consistently condemning heavy people, like those making up 70% of their congregations? Doesn't the Bible cry out for "conversion of the heavy" or is the sin of homosexuality the only one that needs to be addressed? Seems a bit hypocritical (just like the Hollywood thing). But could there be more?<br /><br />Conservatives, in general, approve of the death penalty but abhor abortion. They cherish the "sanctity of life" but not when it comes to murderers. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Hypocritical</span>? They'd say <em>no</em> because the Bible states something about "an eye for an eye." I really gotta' read the Bible or get the Cliffs' Notes soon, but doesn't the Good Book say something along the lines of "Let he who is without sin cast the first stone"? Yep, I do believe it does. So why support the death penalty with such self-assured vigor? Isn't the the Bible, at the very least, <em>unclear</em> on this issue?<br /><br />So the conservatives feel comfortable condemning gays and supporting capital punishment because the Bible (sort of, sometimes) supports these views. But they couldn't care less that the Bible condemns fat people and urges forgiveness for all, even for murderers. Claiming to honor the "word of God" but then applying it only in a fashion that is convenient to <em>yourself</em> is the height of hypocrisy. In fact, if you repeatedly (and knowingly) ignore sections of a religious text you claim to believe in, while quoting <em>different</em> sections to lash out at others, it is not only pathetic, it's <span style="font-size:130%;"><strong><em>evil.</em></strong></span> And don't claim that you are simply "weak like everybody else," if you continue to condemn <em>others</em> while excusing your own behavior year after year after year. Follow your Good Book faithfully or throw it away!<br /><br />Red states, don't condemn "celebrities" if you're willing to listen (and cherish) <em>some</em> of them. And don't claim the Bible is the final word if you blithely ignore huge sections of it. God doesn't like such behavior. But <span style="font-size:130%;"><em>I</em></span> forgive you. And don't forget to apologize to the Dixie Chicks. After all, they were <span style="font-size:130%;"><strong><em>right!</em></strong></span><br /><strong><em><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></em></strong></span><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_N5unkP73rW0/ReO8qtnpNBI/AAAAAAAAAEc/_21uOYLwm3Y/s1600-h/Falwell.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5036076250316747794" style="WIDTH: 223px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 140px" height="130" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_N5unkP73rW0/ReO8qtnpNBI/AAAAAAAAAEc/_21uOYLwm3Y/s200/Falwell.jpg" width="216" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;">-St. Paul</span>Paul "Paul" Rosa (NY City), 45.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02185205246951740556noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1192549919626755177.post-59485360806440336332007-02-24T22:48:00.000-05:002007-02-26T22:42:19.710-05:00Political Credit Cards....<span style="color:#ffff66;">Pals,<br /><br />I know I'm an amateur on this stuff but I'll give it a shot....<br /><br />As the war drags on and on in Iraq, the arrogance of the Bush administration (and much of America) continues to astound me. Of course it is now clear that he and his cronies (and a whole lot of Democrats!) started an unprovoked war for reasons that had nothing to do with national defense and everything to do with worldwide dominance. Ironically, the war that America <em>created</em> is now a serious one and not to be taken lightly. By elininating Saddam and infuriating Muslims with our presence in Iraq there is no question that the country is now loaded with bad guys that need to be exterminated, if possible. Should we stay?<br /><br />Bush would have you believe that we do indeed need to "finish the job" which has, since 2003 consisted of:<br /><br />a) Attacking a country unprovoked.<br />b) Creating a haven for terrorists who dared not enter Iraq during Saddam's reign.<br />c) Creating an extremely effective recruiting tool (our very presence) for Al Qaeda's operations.<br />d) And finally, rallying around Bush who, as Commander in Chief, is ultimately responsible for <em>creating </em>this mess!<br /><br />But like the boy who cried, "Wolf," Bush's credibility is long gone. Only two years ago he bragged, "I have earned political capital and I intend to spend it." Well, ladies and germs, that capital has been spent and now, like most Americans, Bush's capital has been turned into gnawing debt.<br /><br />But if the war is now so important (it is) why aren't we rallying around our troops' brave efforts? Part of it is simple abandonment of the politicians who created this mess. Why would we trust our leaders to win a war that they themselves created? But more importantly, it has become clear to most that we can not <span style="font-size:130%;"><em>win</em></span> the war, even if we stay a hundred years. This may or may not be true but most of us agree with Bush's own leaked security reports which revealed that we are creating far more terrorists in Iraq than we are eliminating.<br /><br />So our actions in Iraq will probably turn out to be an utter waste. ALL of our soldiers will have died in vain (Barack Obama was correct on this count before he lamely apologized). And we will be far worse off in all ways than we were in early 2003, not to mention hundreds of billions of dollars poorer. So what do we do about all the terrorists when we finally pull out of Iraq? They won't simply vanish when the troops come home. It will be a terrible problem. You should certainly ask people far smarter than me but I'll give it an amateurish shot...<br /><br />What's really bothered me since 9/11 is America's complete lack of humility. And that has caused severe problems. Should we make any excuses for the monsters who killed 3,000 Americans six years ago? Of course not. So, what the hell is my point? Well, since Clinton left office six years ago, our "worldwide approval rating" has gone from about 75% to about 25%. The world is angry at America. Not just the terrorists. The world. "Who cares, bitch?" you might hiss as you crack open a cold one and watch rednecks drive 500 miles in a circle. Well, to begin with, it is logical to assume that the world as a whole is just as "reasonable" as we are and we should respect (if not act on) other countries' opinions. To conclude otherwise is xenophobic nonsense. Therefore it logically follows that our behavior, in general, over the past six years has been offensive to the world. It also follows that, if you anger reasonable people, <em>unreasonable</em> people are much more likely to try to kill you. And being dead is a drag.<br /><br />Soooo, why would we want to do unreasonable things that also endanger us?! We have attacked Iraq (unreasonable to the vast majority of the world) and simultaneously created far more terrorists who wish to bring America to its knees (and just might be able to do it). In the future, can we behave in ways that are morally sound AND create less of a terrorist threat AND help our own country overall? "Shut up, hippie!!!" you may bellow from your SUV as you glare at an immigrant. But let me give you a simple example.<br /><br />I have learned that we need only increase our gas mileage by about 5 miles per gallon (per vehicle) to completely eliminate our need for mideast oil. So why has this not been pursued ferociously since 9/11?! Why did we go to war in Iraq rather than dramatically decrease our need for involvement in the area? Why are we using a finite resource (oil) as if there's plenty to go around for our grandkids? There isn't! We have instead bought larger and larger vehicles, completely ignored the needs of future Americans, and created more terrorists. Super! Why not get the hell out of the area where we are despised if we need to sacrifice so little? The answer from most Americans? "WE"RE NUMBER ONE!!" Yawn.<br /><br />In conclusion (and I know this was not expertly written), the world is tired of hearing such inane slogans as "you're with us our against us" or "we're the greatest country on earth." We need to shut up and realize we can no longer ignore world opinion. We've done this for many years and we are <strong><em>far</em></strong> worse off for it. America as a whole has spent its political capital and it will take decades to get it back. Let's be very careful who we vote for in the future.... </span><br /><span style="color:#ffff66;"><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_N5unkP73rW0/ReEZmNnpNAI/AAAAAAAAAEQ/tG9CFsrVEdk/s1600-h/316.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5035334002658587650" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_N5unkP73rW0/ReEZmNnpNAI/AAAAAAAAAEQ/tG9CFsrVEdk/s200/316.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />-PCR</span><br /></span>Paul "Paul" Rosa (NY City), 45.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02185205246951740556noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1192549919626755177.post-64847599924577223112007-02-18T20:08:00.000-05:002007-02-19T12:27:15.215-05:00The Plane Truth?<span style="color:#333333;"><span style="color:#ffffff;">My Friends & Those Who Merely Tolerate Me,<br /><br />It is my custom on Sunday afternoons to purchase the <strong>GIGANTIC</strong> New York Times newspaper and haul it to a local coffee shop for 2-3 hours of reading. The coffee shop is known as "Starbucks" and, based on their success in The Big Apple (roughly 5 shops per city block), you may very well see an outlet in <em>your</em> city within five years. Charging $4.00 for a small ("tall") cup of coffee that costs roughly $0.03 to manufacture, Starbucks nevertheless has won America's hearts and minds because (as with bottled water) we all assume that something expensive means it is "better." I'm sure that's true even though I've never read anything to confirm it. Nothing. Ever.<br /><br />Of course The New York Times, as with many publications these days, is fairly <em>bursting</em> with advertisements pitching such products as dinette sets, hi-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">fi</span></span></span></span> stereo systems, and New York Times subscriptions. Typically I <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">roar</span> directly past these <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">advertisements</span> with calm indifference since I already <em>own</em> 99.9% of all items I <em>wish</em> to own. Am I a wealthy man? Hardly. Am I a powerful, handsome man? Sure, but that's not relevant here! Am I a peaceful man with simple desires? Well there ya' have it! You see, I do not covet a fancy color-television console, a pricey swim-in-place pool, or even a second pair of shoes. I am already, in a word, content.<br /><br />But occasionally these advertisements <em>do</em> catch my eye (and raise my blood pressure) if the item "pitched" is deceptively presented. You see, I was raised to be honest to a fault by a pair of God-fearing Finnish immigrants who understood the joy of receiving a well-earned dollar. Ironically, both died in a terrible accident as they drove to the bank one day to return money improperly credited to their account. The irony was magnified two-fold when it was revealed that the murderous hit-and-run driver was a drunk <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Episcopalian</span> priest returning home after delivering a sermon on honesty. Since this tragic day, as you can imagine, I have been no fan of irony. I refuse to even iron my shirts. But again, I am guilty of digressing.<br /><br />The advertisement in question was from Continental Airlines and trumpeted its <strong><em>"Incredible Super-Saver Winter Fares!"</em></strong> Some of the "special rates" included the following trips:<br /><br />1. New York to San Francisco ($250.00). Wow!<br />2. Chicago to London ($400.00). Wonderful !<br />3. Miami to Tokyo ($750.00) Can this truly be?!<br /><br />Nifty rates, eh? Let's pack our bags, one and all, and head to the nearest airport! But wait. The tiny print following these rates all read, <span style="font-size:78%;">"one way based on round trip." </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Hmmm</span></span></span>. I called Continental and asked if I could actually fly from New York to San Francisco (one way) for $250.00 and they said (and I quote), "No." <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Hmmm</span></span></span> again. Therefore this c<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">ompany</span></span></span> is telling me (in large print) how much a <em>portion</em> of their "product" costs even though I am never permitted to actually <em>buy</em> a portion of said product! These misleading price quotes are irrelevant, and merely indicate HALF of what you must pay. Wow, what a novel approach! But an infuriating precedent has been set here, ladies and non-ladies. Read on, I beg of you...<br /><br />According to this strategy, elegant restaurants can now offer fine dinners for, say, "<strong>$11.00</strong> <span style="font-size:78%;">(based on 1/4 of your full meal).</span>" Baseball teams can sell tickets for "<strong>$9.00</strong><span style="font-size:78%;"> (based on one inning of the game).</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:100%;">"</span> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">Heck, the airlines might as well advertise,"New York to San Francisco:<strong> $0.07</strong> </span><span style="font-size:78%;">(based on one mile of round-trip purchase). </span><span style="font-size:100%;">"</span><br /><br />You see, these corporate ne'er do-wells can "honestly" advertise any price they choose if they then <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">paranthetically</span></span></span> (in tiny print) explain that this price only covers a<em> fraction</em> of the item's actual <strong><em>full</em></strong> price! Fiendishly <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">clever</span>, highly deceptive, and patently "rage inducing." Daily annoyances like these allow me to feel abundant sympathy for those who wake up one morning and sullenly enter their workplace with automatic weapons blazing (as crisply illustrated here).<br /></span><br /></span><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_N5unkP73rW0/RdkTU-3AQhI/AAAAAAAAAEE/6J-pxRcnj9s/s1600-h/assault.jpg"><span style="color:#ffffff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5033075309755253266" style="WIDTH: 108px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 97px" height="80" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_N5unkP73rW0/RdkTU-3AQhI/AAAAAAAAAEE/6J-pxRcnj9s/s200/assault.jpg" width="104" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#ffffff;"> </span><br /><p><span style="font-size:130%;color:#ffffff;"><em><strong>Please just tell me what the f*#%ing thing costs!</strong></em></span></p><p><span style="color:#ffffff;">-Paul C. Rosa<br /></span></p><span style="color:#ffffff;"><p><br />P.S. Have a nice <span style="font-size:78%;">(based on 3/4 of complete sentence).</span></p><p><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></span></p>Paul "Paul" Rosa (NY City), 45.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02185205246951740556noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1192549919626755177.post-79018967214602989142007-02-12T00:46:00.000-05:002007-02-17T13:43:28.350-05:00The Friendliest City in America!<span style="color:#66ffff;">Hello, People of America & Such,<br /><br />Many people who have never visited New York (or spent just a few days here) claim that the city is "dangerous" or "rude." Then they return to their smaller towns and repeat this claim. And the reputation grows. But are these opinions valid? Clearly these troubled tourists' opinions have little effect on <em>other</em> travelers as more people visit New York City (37 million last year) than any other American city. So how does The Big Apple get this negative reputation? I'll inform you to some extent if you choose to read the following paragraphs (all sanitized with the convenient <em>spell-check</em> function of my modern "lap-top computer").<br /><br />First, let me explain that this city's efficiency (what there is of it) depends entirely on speed. On any given day, as many as 13,000,000 people are crammed into an island (Manhattan) that measures a scant 22.7 square miles. That's the size of..um.. 13,939 football fields for those of you who are dumb and stuff. If folks (drivers or pedestrians) unnecessarily block those who are behind them, it could literally inconvenience hundreds of lives. When I moved here 7 years ago I learned very quickly that if I wished to slow down and smell the roses (all 6 of them), I would be wise to move to the far right and get the hell out of the fast lane! The rule is "Always walk <strong><em>quickly</em></strong> on the left side!" This includes escalators. Just like the rules of the road. And this rule is quickly absorbed by those with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">IQ's</span> over 80 (<span style="font-size:78%;">George Bush, tee <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">hee</span>)</span> and those who do not enjoy being moistened by other folks' launched saliva. So <strong><em>be</em></strong> <strong><em>smart and be considerate</em></strong>, groovy travelers! Otherwise, it is <em>you</em> who is rude and, as such, you should expect eventual gunfire.<br /><br />Further, I consistently hear tourists (often from small towns in the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">midwest</span> or deep south) claim that their neck of the woods is "much friendlier" than New York. Oh, really? I often respond by asking, "How friendly would folks in your little town be if, say, an African-American, homosexual, or Jew moved in next door?" Or all three in one person?! It always amuses me to see the moment of panic in their eyes when they recognize that their "villages" certainly are friendly...but only to people exactly like <em>themselves</em>! Yawn. True friendliness, to me, means true <span style="font-size:130%;"><em>inclusiveness.</em></span> Yeah, I'll be selling <em>that</em> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">lil</span>' gem to Hallmark.<br /><em><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></em><br />There are four apartments on my floor and two of them house interracial couples. The vast majority of people in New York would not blink at such a development. Homosexual interracial couples walk hand-in-hand in New York with little fear of more than a few insensitive remarks. People who are stared at everywhere else in America don't warrant a second glance here. A bearded man on the subway wearing a mini-skirt and hat made of pie? Boring. We've seen it before. How many cities could claim this in America? San Francisco certainly, but that might just be it. Maybe Keokuk. But the inclusiveness of New York is perhaps best illustrated by its international appeal. Stunningly, 40% of New Yorkers are foreign born. What an opportunity it is to meet people from all over the world and all walks of life! I should really do that some day.<br /><br />New York is a melting pot not only for brave, ambitious people from all over the world, but also for Americans who were treated shabbily by their closed-minded smaller towns. You see, when you come to New York, no matter how "unusual" you are, you can find hundreds of people just like you. When you feel alienated and alone elsewhere, you can find acceptance in New York. You see, New York, more than any other American City, let's people "BE." And if you have a problem with people different from yourself, New York is not the place for you. Be open-minded here or be miserable!<br /><br />When I toured the U.S. for 8 years as a marginally-successful comic, I had the opportunity to visit about 40 states and several <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">hundred</span> cities. New York was certainly the toughest and most intimidating city but, in hindsight, this was entirely due to the fact that I was simply overwhelmed. Once I learned to relax here, the city became absolutely <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">transformative</span>. I love it here, by <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">cracky</span>, by gum!<br /><br />Lastly, the assertion that New York is "dangerous" is just wrong. Some tourists seem to think that riding the subway after dark is a death sentence. In fact, of all the American cities with populations over 1 million, New York is the safest! We have more crime here because we have the most people but the per-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">capita</span> crime rate is of course the only <em>meaningful</em> statistic.<br /><br />Wait....S<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">omeone's</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">trying</span> to break into my apartment......<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_N5unkP73rW0/RdAb0u3AQgI/AAAAAAAAAD4/bR825BiIuSA/s1600-h/images.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5030551376518726146" style="WIDTH: 110px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 111px" height="99" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_N5unkP73rW0/RdAb0u3AQgI/AAAAAAAAAD4/bR825BiIuSA/s200/images.jpg" width="113" border="0" /></a></span><br /><span style="color:#66ffff;"></span><br /><p><span style="color:#66ffff;">Warm Embraces,<br />Paul "Paul Rosa" Rosa<br /></span><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_N5unkP73rW0/RdARhu3AQeI/AAAAAAAAADc/mXMp6rD5sbM/s1600-h/u11537123.jpg"></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_N5unkP73rW0/RdASoO3AQfI/AAAAAAAAADk/AQiXdt3muvY/s1600-h/0093-0602-2306-4440_TN.jpg"></a><br /></p><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_N5unkP73rW0/RdAPsu3AQdI/AAAAAAAAADU/EnlDeyOY418/s1600-h/378246159_99388574a8_b.jpg"></a>Paul "Paul" Rosa (NY City), 45.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02185205246951740556noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1192549919626755177.post-26389836171624249182007-02-05T21:17:00.000-05:002007-02-06T12:55:54.315-05:00Moron War on Drugs....<span style="color:#ff0000;"><span style="color:#ffff33;"></span></span><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;"><span style="color:#ff0000;"><span style="color:#ffff00;">Attention Americans,<br /><br />After spending the entire day at one of the finer opium dens in Greenwich Village, I have come to several conclusions:<br /><br />1. Kitty cats are funny and fuzzy and like to poop in boxes.<br />2. Kitty cats are funny and stuff.<br />3. It's pretty hard to spell "ophthalmologist."<br />4. I like kitty cats.<br />5. The war on drugs is stupid and always has been.<br /><br />I guess I'll elaborate on number five as the first four assertions seem to be indisputable. Let's start with a few paragraphs full of fun <strong><em>facts</em></strong>:<br /><br />Between federal, state, and local governments, the United States spends over $50 billion dollars a year to fight the so-called war on drugs. After spending all of this money ($100 million a week!), less than 5% of the drugs meant for the eventual consumers is <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">seized</span>. But technically we stop <em>none</em> of it <em>overall</em> since the confiscated drugs are quickly replaced by more drugs. Supply of course equals demand. Which begs the question: How can you call keep calling something a "war" if you keep losing, year after year after year? Perhaps George Bush or Dick Cheney could field this one.<br /><br />Next, most studies indicate that legalization will result in <em>slightly</em> more drug use (at worst). Of course alcohol consumption did not diminish during prohibition and the Netherlands (with plenty of legal drugs) doesn't have nearly the drug problems we have. Conservatives holler that we would instantly become a nation of staggering drug addicts should we legalize, but there's no evidence whatsoever of that. Jokes about opium dens aside, I (like most non-drug-users) would have no trouble procuring narcotics <strong><em>tomorrow</em></strong>, should I choose to pursue them. In fact, the vast, vast majority of people who want to use drugs are doing so already and couldn't care less that it's illegal.<br /><br />Also, alcohol and tobacco (perfectly legal) kill <strong>500 times</strong> as many Americans each year as illegal drugs but no one is demanding <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">illegalization</span></span> on <em>these</em> particular drugs. Um, why not? Granted, heroine and crystal <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">meth</span></span> are much more destructive on a person-to-person basis than alcohol and tobacco, but in the aggregate (the more important consideration) the<em> legal</em> drugs exact a far greater toll on society because more people choose to <strong><em>use</em></strong> them (see last paragraph). </span></span></span><span style="color:#ff0000;"><span style="color:#ff0000;"><span style="color:#ffff00;">And let's not forget that, with legalization, the vicious drug gangs will be priced out of the market by the giant pharmaceutical firms. And the resulting tax windfdall will be immense. Imagine the additional money our government could squander!<br /><br />So what the hell is my point? Well, the war on drugs is a stupid waste of money. Given that it is completely ineffective (and has been for decades) what's the point in "staying the course?" Even if you hate the idea of adults using drugs, why support a policy with your tax dollars that accomplishes nothing? And never has. And conservatives, if drugs become legal we would instantly have $50 billion a year to spend on your ineffective abstinence programs, creepy intelligent-design manuals, and our war in Iraq against the terrorists who miraculously arrived shortly after we did. Hell, maybe we could start <em>another</em> war with a country that never threatened us. Frankly, I'm not terribly fond of Finland.<br /><br />Of course selling drugs to kids should remain a felony, but I am perfectly comfortable with adults legally selling drugs to other consenting adults. Even in a church. Or in a tree. Or on a bench. Or near a bee. I do not care now, <em>Sam I Am!</em> Our government needs to stop telling adults what they can put in their own bodies, not to mention the bodies of other, consenting adults. Hey, a big shout out to my gay pals on the east side! Yo,' Fresh Felix, Prince Turtleneck, Slick Dick Rick, Shelly <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Timberlands</span></span>, Felicia Flannel, and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Maneater</span></span> Monica! I be straight but not narrow (please see last BLOG post!).<br /><br />The essential difference between the cigarette & alcohol manufacturers and drug dealers is that the drug dealers have not spent decades implying their product is part of a healthy lifestyle. And the <em>legal</em> products destroy far more lives. Hell, McDonald's has s<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">hattered</span> far more families than Colombian drug lords ever will, given that obesity and heart disease are the biggest killers in America. And yet we grow furious when portly folks who grow sick on fast food sue. Why? Because they were consenting adults who made their king-sized beds and then slept in them (usually alone). Again, "CONSENTING ADULTS" here!<br /><br />But the mouth-breathing American public clings to the simplistic notion that, well, "drugs are bad" and would refuse to elect a politician who dares recommend legalization. So the spineless politicians will never voice such an honest opinion unless of course more than 50% of their constituency eventually agrees. Such tiresome robots. I love the old saying: "Politics is show business for ugly people."<br /><br />In conclusion, the war on drugs has no more of an overall effect than <em>abandoning</em> this war would! And imagine what we could do with the billions saved! For starters, how about spending a few million educating our kids on the dangers of drug use (in their rebuilt schools, with well-paid teachers!)? Or how about providing free rehab and counseling to those unfortunate souls who, in their grim pursuit of psychic or physical relief, become addicted? Like drug addict Rush Limbaugh, who, when referring to <em>other</em> addicts, said for years "lock em' up and throw away the key!" But when he <em>himself </em>became an addict (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">OxyContin</span></span>) he learned nothing about humility and understanding. Bad for the ratings, I guess.<br /><br />Enough. I'm getting the munchies.</span><br /></span><br /></span><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_N5unkP73rW0/Rcfr6wBCZoI/AAAAAAAAAC8/GfuPNjdvuGQ/s1600-h/bong.jpg"></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_N5unkP73rW0/RcfwDgBCZpI/AAAAAAAAADI/-YOlvPR8eGQ/s1600-h/hippie.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5028251451907008146" style="WIDTH: 103px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 146px" height="114" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_N5unkP73rW0/RcfwDgBCZpI/AAAAAAAAADI/-YOlvPR8eGQ/s200/hippie.jpg" width="88" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="color:#ffff00;">-Paul "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Cheech</span></span>" Rosa</span>Paul "Paul" Rosa (NY City), 45.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02185205246951740556noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1192549919626755177.post-20843947907722496912007-02-01T14:01:00.001-05:002007-02-02T12:35:44.320-05:00Don't be a Dick.<span style="color:#ff99ff;">Men+Men and Women+Women,<br /><br />Many of you no doubt watched Dick Cheney on CNN recently, angrily giving Wolf <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Blitzer</span> a dressing down when asked about his pregnant (lesbian) daughter, Mary. "Yes!" many of you may thunder. "What business is it of this small, hairy man to delve into the "private pregnancy" of a beloved politician's daughter?!" <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Hmmm</span>.<br /><br />Well, fellow citizens, our fine vice president (supported by over 17% of Americans in <em>some</em> approval polls) is of course part of the Republican party and has consistently supported many of its most conservative platforms. While Mr. Cheney does NOT support a constitutional amendment banning gay marriage (he says that should be left to the states), he has never spoken out about the very issue Mr. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Blitzer</span> wished to discuss. Hey, follow me to paragraph 3!<br /><br />Despite all evidence to the contrary, the conservatives in this country screech over and over again that a child is best served by a father AND a mother. They also claim that the children of gay parents are more likely to be gay <em>themselves</em> (so?) and that gay people are more likely to molest children. But virtually every major psychological study has firmly refuted these hysterical claims. In fact, the children of gay parents, on average, grow up to be just as well-balanced (or damaged) as those of straight parents! </span><br /><span style="color:#ff99ff;"></span><br /><span style="color:#ff99ff;">The conservatives also claim that "gay marriage threatens the sanctity of straight marriage." Oh, really? Then why is it that the only state permitting gay marriage (Massachusetts) has the <strong><em>lowest rate of divorce</em></strong> among heterosexual couples in America? Further, of the eight states with the <em>highest</em> divorce rates, ALL of them are red states. By <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">cracky</span>, there seems to be some inconsistencies here!<br /><br />The conservatives do make one true (but easily dismissed) point: The children of gay parents have a tougher time growing up in this society. But of course that's also true of mixed-race children and no one is calling for a ban on interracial marriage! And the conservatives, similarly, <em>also</em> don't want gays to serve in the military because it will be "disruptive to the force." Also true, but the exact same thing was said 70 years ago about allowing African-Americans to serve side-by-side with whites in the military. It WAS disruptive due to intolerance and ignorant viciousness. As a nation, we should not reward discrimination by endorsing its continuation!<br /><br />But I digress. If Mr. Cheney remains silent about the above issues, if he never denounces the angry words regarding gays raising children, then he should expect questions such as <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Blitzer's</span>. As a conservative who stays silent on such an issue it should be concluded that he is in lock-step with the majority of his strict peers. So when Wolf <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Blitzer</span> wishes to ask Mr. Cheney's feelings about 2 lesbians (one his daughter) raising a child he certainly is NOT "over the line," as Cheney menacingly warned. No, Mr. Cheney it is <span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>you</strong></span> who is over the line. When you remain silent while discrimination is supported by your peers then you are an "enabler." You have a tremendous bully pulpit (perfect for an unpleasant bully) to stand up for people just like your daughter on this issue and you choose to do nothing. You, Mr. Chicken Hawk, are out of line. And, blissfully soon, out of office.<br /><br />But I am quick to forgive, sir (especially given that my phone calls and mail may be monitored). To show you my warm nature, I am forwarding a dozen chicken-fried steaks (lathered in butter), 4 pounds of french-fried potatoes, 3-dozen eggs, and several quarts of rich lager. Enjoy, sir, enjoy, and don't hesitate to consume these delicacies as quickly as humanly possible!<br /></span><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_N5unkP73rW0/RcJFknI92hI/AAAAAAAAACw/P_AMu93JV_8/s1600-h/296879289_a5b55bf002.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5026656629383092754" style="WIDTH: 215px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 162px" height="150" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_N5unkP73rW0/RcJFknI92hI/AAAAAAAAACw/P_AMu93JV_8/s200/296879289_a5b55bf002.jpg" width="215" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color:#ff99ff;">Straight, not narrow,<br />Paul "Paul" Rosa<br /><br />P.S. And, by the way, shame on Mary Cheney for selling out and making a career for herself in the Republican party. Kissing ass to make a buck is something that we've all done but to accept pay from an "organization" who considers you an immoral sinner seems the worst sort of humiliation. Enjoy the money, Mary! Perhaps you can line the baby's crib with sturdy Ann <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Coulter</span> books!</span>Paul "Paul" Rosa (NY City), 45.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02185205246951740556noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1192549919626755177.post-61599593777114009782007-01-30T13:32:00.000-05:002007-01-30T16:32:28.489-05:00TYRA BANKS BLOB BLOG<span style="color:#ffffff;">People who barely tolerate me,<br /><br />For those of you who watch television (99.999999% of Americans) you are no doubt aware of the epic saga surrounding "extremely important American" (and ex-supermodel) <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Tyra</span> Banks. This week <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Tyra</span> expressed outrage on The Larry King Show that she was being unfairly attacked by the media. You see, swimsuit photos of her on the beach in Australia recently surfaced and showed a much heavier gal than we are accustomed to seeing in the Victoria's Secret catalogs, the pages of Mademoiselle, and in the fantasies of pimply-faced college freshmen who fervently clutch the aforementioned periodicals in one sweaty hand.<br /><br />Tyra bitterly complained to Mr. King that the attacks on her weight were "mean spirited" and completely uncalled for. "Shame on the media!" she hissed. She explained that, as a healthy woman, her weight consistently fluctuates. So true, so true, young lady. In fact we should all learn to accept people for who they are and fight discrimination of any form! Let's proceed to the "sarcastic rebuttal" portion of my fine essay, the kind you've all come to dread as you move firmly in the direction of blocking my future e-mails.<br /><br />Tyra Banks. Here's a woman who, for 15 years, made a <span style="font-size:130%;"><em>fortune</em></span> due to her lucky roll of the genetic dice. She was simply a "random recipient" of a face and figure that, at this particular point in history, happen to be considered attractive (and hugely lucrative). Celebrated as one of the most beautiful women in the world, Tyra was perfectly comfortable raking in millions of dollars while women considered "less attractive" or "heavy" had to get up each morning and work a <em>real</em> job. The meanness and discrimination that is part of our society was of no concern to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Tyra</span> back <em>then,</em> as she basked in the countless rewards of being slim and beautiful (and doing absolutely nothing!). Not a peep from her, ever, about how it may be sad that the fashion industry so richly rewards women deemed "beautiful" while rewarding the "heavy-set" or "plain" with only guilt, depression, and feelings of inadequacy. No admission that the fashion industry and their absurd, unrealistic definition of a "perfect woman" might just have something to do with the millions of cases of anorexia in America....<br /><br />But, lo and behold, as soon as Tyra Banks actually BECOMES one of those "heavy people" who is discriminated against, everything changes! When a few of the tabloids who once splashed her hot<strong><em> body</em></strong> across their pages now poke fun at her for eating hot <strong><em>dogs, </em></strong>there is HELL to pay. Indeed, hell hath no fury like a (once-gorgeous) woman scorned! Is this not the height of hypocrisy or, at the very least, the <strong><span style="font-size:130%;"><em>width</em></span></strong> of hypocrisy (lame pun intended)? </span><br /><span style="color:#ffffff;"></span><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;"><span style="color:#ffffff;">Burp.</span><br /></span><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_N5unkP73rW0/Rb-017Q-vKI/AAAAAAAAACQ/5lxLhX1SlSI/s1600-h/ms.jpg"></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_N5unkP73rW0/Rb-2IrQ-vLI/AAAAAAAAACk/myMxToafJ0c/s1600-h/250px-ConeyIslandHotDogTinyTown.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5025935969337916594" style="WIDTH: 217px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 186px" height="174" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_N5unkP73rW0/Rb-2IrQ-vLI/AAAAAAAAACk/myMxToafJ0c/s200/250px-ConeyIslandHotDogTinyTown.jpg" width="210" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="color:#ffffff;">Faithfully,<br />Paul "Paul" Rosa<br /><br /></span><span style="color:#ffffff;"></span><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_N5unkP73rW0/Rb-SyrQ-vHI/AAAAAAAAABw/gZBMXyv6bs4/s1600-h/images.jpg"><span style="color:#ff0000;"></span></a>Paul "Paul" Rosa (NY City), 45.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02185205246951740556noreply@blogger.com32tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1192549919626755177.post-52618107736051261362007-01-28T19:51:00.000-05:002007-01-31T13:19:05.152-05:00Home Sweet Home!<span style="color:#ff0000;">After living in New York City for a number of years (and that number is "7"), I have learned quite a few things. Things like: Don't lick subway seats, always wear at least <em>some</em> clothing to church, and remember that DNA can ruin your life.<br /><br />But I've <em><strong>also</strong></em> learned that all of the most expensive apartment buildings in this immense city have elegant-sounding names (usually displayed with a fancy font above the building entrance). Names like "Trump Towers," "The Seville," "Tuscany Plaza" or "Normandy Court." These buildings usually feature apartments that rent for over $2,500 a month and have such enviable amenities as swimming pools, valet service, and uniformed <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">doormen</span>. Boy howdy, that's living!<br /><br />But what of the "less-prestigious" buildings, the ones lacking laundry rooms and perhaps requiring a 4-flight schlep up a dark, dirty staircase? Do these buildings not deserve to be <em>named</em> as well? Why, of course they do. For instance, a modestly-priced apartment dwelling might be known as "The Unashamed," "The Adequate," "The Stepping Stone," or "Keokuk Estates." The upwardly mobile residing within could, when returning home each day, gaze in satisfaction at the encouraging sign above the front door as they dream of better jobs to come, fame, or the unexpected, much-appreciated death of a wealthy relative.<br /><br />And then there's the housing for the city's most <em>unfortunate</em> residents. For instance, a building dominated by a merciless slumlord who allows the rats to breed like mice may be labeled, "The Shame Shack." Buildings housing the down-and-out, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">desperate</span> drug addicts, or overly-driven <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">professional</span> men who've suffered massive emotional breakdowns may boldly be dubbed, "The Downward Spiral," "Hopeless Harbor," or "Musty Manor." Perhaps a beautiful, highly-stylized sign "out front" would raise the spirits of the anguished residents and motivate them to pursue "brighter horizons" each and every time they come home. Turning their lives around and being happy could be as simple as that. Just ask The Hallmark Card Company!<br /><br />In conclusion, let the Trumps, the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Rockefellers</span></span>, and the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Vanderbilts</span></span> sprinkle their fancy names up and down Park Avenue like so much smelly caviar. I say <strong>kudos</strong> to the working class and the despairing as they return each day to their "Good Enough For Now" hovels and dream of a brighter future!<br /></span><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_N5unkP73rW0/Rb2fsLQ-vEI/AAAAAAAAABQ/V33QJ4vAN8Y/s1600-h/037028.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5025348340502412354" style="WIDTH: 189px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 203px" height="200" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_N5unkP73rW0/Rb2fsLQ-vEI/AAAAAAAAABQ/V33QJ4vAN8Y/s200/037028.jpg" width="171" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;">Always supporting the common man,<br />Paul "Paul" Rosa </span>Paul "Paul" Rosa (NY City), 45.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02185205246951740556noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1192549919626755177.post-60483838911355099802007-01-24T23:38:00.000-05:002007-01-31T01:06:17.919-05:00Vegetative State of the Union<span style="color:#ff6666;">Countrymen,<br /><br />Many of you surely watched George W. Bush's <em>State of the Union</em> address on January 23. Like most of you, I was assured the country is being governed by a wise, visonary leader. Allow me now to summarize the four sections of the speech that impressed me most. And believe me, it was excruciating to winnow the list down to four magnificent, historic sections....<br /><br />1. Mr. Bush was correct when he said we have to "get them (the terrorists) <em>over there</em> or they'll follow us <em>over here</em>." Wise words, sir, wise words indeed. So many dirty, liberal hippies don't seem to understand that, of the tens of thousands of "bad guys" fighting us in Iraq now, not a single man could be spared to come on over to the good ol' U.S. of A. <strong><em>right now</em></strong> to raise a little cain. Nope, they could not ask, say, 5-10 ne'er-do-wells to lay down their Kalashnikovs, pack their bags (no hair gel!), travel to Keokuk, and blow up the water tower! Yes, as long as we engage them <em>over there</em>, 100% of the terrorists will dedicate themselves to STAYING over there! So, logically, all we have to do is stay over there <em>forever</em> and they won't pester us over here. You are a wise man, Mr. President.<br /><br />2. Next, as he has said many times before, our leader gravely announced, "They hate us because we're free." Indeed they do. Just ask any of the free citizens residing in Switzerland, Brazil, Norway, Canada, South Korea, Australia, Germany, Argentina, Sweden, Monaco, Bolivia, The Czech Republic, South Africa, Hungary, Finland, Portugal, Italy, Greece, Ireland, Liechtenstein, Iceland, Scotland, or Austria. They've <strong><em>all</em></strong> suffered terrorist attacks simply because they are free too, right? Right!<br /><br />3. Mr. Bush also reminded all American patriots that "<strong><em>Cut and run</em></strong> is not a policy!" Wiser words have rarely been uttered. When a war lasts 4 years and over 3,000 Americans (and 600,000 innocent Iraqis) have lost their lives, it is insane to consider ending the conflict. Why? Because the moment we end this conflict, then all of those deaths will have been in <em>vain!</em> Regardless of how bad it gets over there we must remember that Saddam may very well have had WMD's and ties to terrorism because, well, you can't definitively prove otherwise. Sure, things have gone poorly recently because we did not understand fully that this is a land with ancient, intense, monstrously-confusing tribal rivalries. Admittedly it also doesn't help that 70% of Iraqis want us to leave, as do 73% of Americans. But again, we <strong>must</strong> eventually prevail or all of the tragedies will be for naught. If we do not give up then there is always hope and we will never need to mourn. Yes, Mr. President, fight on we must! "Cut and run" is insanity. "Cut and MOURN" is more like it. And mourning is for sissies.<br /><br />4. Finally, Mr. Bush singled out a brave hero in the audience, Wesley Autrey, who recently saved a man's life on a New York City subway track. In a solemn voice, our president stated, "There is something wonderful about a country that produces a brave and humble individual like Wesley Autrey." Amen, sir, and God bless America!!! Pick any <em>other</em> country on earth (feel free to use those listed above) and <em>their</em> citizens would <em>never, ever</em> lift a finger to help a fellow citizen in need. <span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>Never.</strong></span> In fact, I've heard that the Dutch routinely allow children to drown in plain sight and the Brits typically allow old women to lie on the sidewalk for hours, should they happen to fall. That simply couldn't happen here in God's country, the <em>only</em> country on earth to produce "brave and humble" folks!! As Mr. Bush clearly implied, these good qualities are uniquely American. And Mr. Autrey, a black man who was born in a segregated black hosital in the south in 1957, knows full well what a fair and wonderful country this has always been.<br /><br />So listen up you filthy, commie hippies: Our President knows what's best for you so grab a shower, get a haircut, and march on down to your local recruiting station. Why? Because your President, in his historic <em>State of the Union</em> address, has once again taught us all that FREEDOM ISN'T FREE!! He proudly served in Vietnam, so it's time you followed his lead! </span><br /><br /><p><span style="color:#ff6666;"></span></p><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_N5unkP73rW0/Rb2h4bQ-vFI/AAAAAAAAABc/JUzBtJRlvBg/s1600-h/bushinuniform.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5025350749979065426" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_N5unkP73rW0/Rb2h4bQ-vFI/AAAAAAAAABc/JUzBtJRlvBg/s200/bushinuniform.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><p><span style="color:#ff6666;"></span></p><p><span style="color:#ff6666;"></span></p><p><span style="color:#ff6666;"></p></span><span style="color:#ff6666;">-Citizen Paul</span>Paul "Paul" Rosa (NY City), 45.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02185205246951740556noreply@blogger.com5